Hormuz Strait traffic shrinks by 90%, COSCO Shipping among few tankers attempting transit

A tanker operated by China's shipping company COSCO Shipping is passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least two of the group's vessels having traversed this maritime area since May 13th.

According to tracking data from shipping analytics firms SynMax and Kpler, two tankers operated by Greek and Singaporean companies also completed their passage one day prior. These instances indicate that, despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts, some commercial tankers have begun attempting to resume transit through this region.

The overall current oil transport traffic remains minimal compared to pre-conflict levels. Data from shipbroker Clarksons shows that since the conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, the average number of vessels passing through the strait daily has remained around 11. Prior to the conflict, the average daily passage volume for this corridor was typically between 125 and 140, with the current actual passage volume being less than a tenth of the normal level.

As a critical pathway for about one-fifth of the world's oil and energy supplies, the state of navigation at the Strait of Hormuz directly restricts global energy flows. Currently, there are still about 20,000 seafarers trapped on hundreds of vessels inside the Persian Gulf. Among the recent transiting vessels, aside from a few tankers, the majority are small container ships, bulk carriers, and one chemical tanker.

Tanker broker Gibson noted in its latest report that the struggle for control between the U.S. and Iran has led to miniscule flows of crude oil and refined products through the strait. The firm analyzed that for the Strait of Hormuz to fully return to pre-conflict navigation states, several key preconditions must be met. These include providing clear security assurances by all parties, completing the clearance of sea mines in the waters, and re-establishing a suitable framework for ship insurance.