Hormuz Strait Traffic Rebounds to 55 Vessels in Week of May 18, Up From 19-Ship Low

According to AFP citing Kpler shipping data, 55 commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz last week, a significant recovery from 19 ships the prior week—the lowest level since the Middle East conflict escalated. Approximately half were tankers, including three very large crude carriers heading toward China, Oman, and Japan. The current traffic level matches the average weekly throughput observed since March 2026. Despite the recovery, total passage remains below pre-conflict levels, with the waterway—responsible for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments—continuing to face disruptions from geopolitical tensions and sanctions-related constraints.