Recent communications from Iran to the United Nations’ maritime authority and the experiences of ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz indicate the establishment of a toll system akin to a “customs booth.” Vessels are required to enter Iranian waters and undergo inspections by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reports confirm that at least two ships have paid fees for passage, as noted by P.
Since the onset of hostilities with Iran, maritime traffic through the strait has plummeted by 90%, causing a sharp spike in global oil prices and triggering severe shortages in Asian countries reliant on oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
Data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a maritime intelligence firm, reveals that only about 150 vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, have passed through since March 1. This figure barely exceeds the typical daily traffic volume before the conflict began. The Iranian terminal on Kharg Island loaded 1.6 million barrels in March, which remains relatively consistent with pre-conflict monthly loading totals, according to data analytics firm Kpler. Many of these customers are small, private refineries in China, undeterred by U.S. sanctions.
At Least 18 Ships Struck
The majority of ships successfully traversing the strait in recent weeks have headed eastward out of the Gulf. Of these, Iran-affiliated vessels accounted for 24% of the transits, Greek ships 18%, and Chinese vessels 10%, based on ownership or registration. Closer examination shows that Iranian-linked ships comprised 60% of transits at the war’s outset and approximately 90% in recent days.
Around half of the ships deactivate their radio identification systems, which display their locations, before crossing and reappear on the opposite side in the Gulf of Oman. Their caution is justified: according to the United Nations International Maritime Organization, which monitors maritime security, at least 18 vessels have been attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least seven crew members. The organization has not identified the nation responsible for these attacks.
