Increase in Strait of Hormuz traffic

Traffic, which had decreased due to Iran's recent attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, showed an increase again this week. On Monday, it was determined that 24 ships, primarily carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas, passed through the strait. Today, it was noted that a supertanker and several smaller vessels were also in the region.

Industry sources indicated that the return of these tankers, which have a total capacity to carry 11 million barrels of crude oil, to the region suggests that shipowners are beginning to regain confidence in the route. Traffic, which had declined following an attack on a container ship last Thursday, is now on the rise again.

Among the ships sailing toward the Persian Gulf, it was learned that three empty supertankers belonging to the South Korean-based firm Sinokor were moving along the coast of Oman on Monday, while the company's fourth ship began signaling from the Gulf. The route of the vessel in question is toward the city of Basra in Iraq.

In addition, it was stated that a Marshall Islands-flagged Suezmax-type tanker built in 2026 also passed through the Strait and entered the region. This tanker, owned by a Greek operator, had reported its position from the Gulf of Oman on June 27.

The Nisalah, a large crude oil tanker operated by Saudi Arabia's national shipping company Bahri, has entered the Gulf. It was reported that the Nisalah, which is traveling empty, is located off the coast of Ras Tanura, where the country's largest refinery is located.

Following the recent tensions between the US and Iran, while the US has carried out new attacks, both sides have agreed to pause hostilities ahead of peace talks expected to begin this week. The shipping industry and investors continue to monitor tanker traffic closely. The increased activity in the region is seen as critical for regional producers to resume operations.