Strait of Hormuz traffic collapses as maritime threat level stays critical Joint Maritime Information Centre says

Maritime security conditions across the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman remain at a critical level, with shipping volumes sharply reduced amid continued disruption, navigation interference, and sporadic attacks on commercial and port infrastructure, according to the latest assessment from the Joint Maritime Information Centre.

Despite a conditional two-week ceasefire announced between the United States and Iran on 8 April, commercial traffic through the region has not recovered in any meaningful way. Iranian authorities have reportedly maintained that vessel transits require prior coordination with its armed forces and have issued alternative routing guidance that overlaps with established traffic separation schemes, further complicating navigation.

Sharp decline in Strait of Hormuz traffic

Monitoring data indicates a significant drop in maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. While the historical daily average stands at roughly 138 vessels, recent figures show only 12 transits on 7 April and just 6 on 8 April, underscoring the scale of disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Officials attribute the decline to a combination of heightened risk perceptions, electronic interference, and uncertainty over safe passage conditions.

Persistent threat environment and attack pattern

Since hostilities escalated on 28 February, more than 30 maritime incidents involving commercial shipping and offshore infrastructure have been reported across the Arabian Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. The pattern of incidents, according to the assessment, appears broad-based rather than targeted at specific flag states or ownership structures, suggesting a wider campaign of maritime disruption.

Attacks have reportedly occurred in multiple operational contexts, including anchorages, ship-to-ship transfers, and port approaches, increasing the complexity of risk management for operators.

Infrastructure pressure and port disruption

The advisory highlights sustained pressure on maritime infrastructure across the region. One recent incident reportedly led Bahrain to suspend operations at Khalifa Bin Salman Port following threats and interceptions, although no physical damage was confirmed.

More broadly, ports in the region continue to face congestion risks, with high volumes of vessels at anchor or drifting. This is being compounded by electronic interference, including GNSS disruption and AIS anomalies, increasing navigational uncertainty and collision risk.

Lower-level but persistent risks beyond the Gulf

Outside the core conflict zone, the threat level in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden remains assessed as moderate. While tensions and hostile rhetoric from Houthi-linked actors persist, no confirmed maritime incidents have been reported in recent days.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden continue to be monitored for any escalation risks that could affect commercial shipping routes linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Operational outlook remains uncertain

Maritime authorities, including the UKMTO, continue to advise vessels operating in the region to maintain heightened vigilance and strict reporting procedures. They also warn of the possibility of unexploded ordnance and residual hazards in affected areas.

While no vessel attacks were confirmed in the last 48 hours, analysts caution that false or unverified reports circulating on social media have previously complicated situational awareness.

By Aghakazim Guliyev