Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest level in approximately two and a half months on July 23 (local time), with only one vessel exiting and zero entering, according to ship tracking firm Kpler cited by Nikkei Asia. The single departing tanker was the VLCC 'New Giant,' carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basra crude and scheduled to arrive at China's Rizhao port by mid-August, down from three tankers the previous day and marking the fewest transits since May 7. The decline occurred amid ongoing transit risks in the Middle East region and oil prices re-surpassing $100 per barrel. Regional maritime security tensions have intensified following 13 consecutive days of US airstrikes on Iran and Houthi rebel attacks on tankers accused of violating a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Bab el-Mandeb Strait Records 32 Cargo Ship Transits on July 23
Cargo ship traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait increased to 32 vessels on July 23 (local time), up from 26 the previous day, according to Kpler data. Of the 32 transits, 14 vessels moved toward the Red Sea direction while 18 exited the strait toward the Gulf of Aden. Among the 18 departing vessels, nine were oil tankers carrying crude, including two Chinese VLCCs headed to China.
Tom Innovation Tanker Reroutes to Suez Canal Amid Security Concerns
The tanker 'Tom Innovation,' carrying approximately 500,000 barrels of naphtha bound for Asia, partially changed its route from the Bab el-Mandeb passage toward the Suez Canal exit, according to ship tracking data from Kpler and LSEG. Market observers note that routing through the Suez Canal instead of Bab el-Mandeb to reach Asia can extend voyage duration by up to three times the original length.
US Conducts 13th Consecutive Day of Iran Airstrikes as Saudi Aramco Shifts Export Routes
The US military announced it conducted airstrikes on Iran for the 13th consecutive day on July 23. Yemen's pro-Iran Houthi rebels stated on July 22 (local time) that they attacked two tankers for violating a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia. In response to these developments, Saudi Aramco began offering additional crude oil loadings at Sidi Kerir port on Egypt's Mediterranean coast instead of Red Sea ports, securing alternative export routes.
FAQ
How many tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on July 23?
Only one tanker exited the Strait of Hormuz on July 23 (local time), with zero tankers entering the strait, according to ship tracking firm Kpler cited by Nikkei Asia. This marked the lowest level of tanker traffic since May 7.
What cargo was the New Giant tanker carrying through the Strait of Hormuz?
The VLCC 'New Giant' was carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basra crude oil and is scheduled to arrive at China's Rizhao port by mid-August, according to Kpler data reported by Nikkei Asia.
Why did the Tom Innovation tanker change its route to the Suez Canal?
The 'Tom Innovation,' carrying approximately 500,000 barrels of naphtha bound for Asia, partially rerouted from the Bab el-Mandeb passage toward the Suez Canal exit, according to ship tracking data from Kpler and LSEG, amid ongoing security concerns in the region.
