Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply after Iran attacked a Cypriot-flagged container ship on Saturday, triggering an exchange of attacks with the US. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
There were only 14 crossings through the waterway on Sunday, according to data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler. This is reportedly the lowest level in at least a month. It is possible that other vessels could have crossed with their transmitters turned off.
Kpler said more vessels have been using so-called "dark routes" whereby ships limit or switch off their visibility so their position isn't shown.
"Confirmed strait of Hormuz crossings declined by around 52% week on week over 10 to 12 July, with traffic reverting to more defensive routing patterns," Kpler said. "Renewed US Iran tensions and IRGC warnings continue to drive heightened caution across commercial shipping."
The plummeting traffic through the strait suggests vessels are staying put out of fear of more attacks, even as the US insists the waterway is open to commercial traffic.