(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
LONDON – Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains approximately 70 percent below pre-conflict levels as attacks on commercial vessels continue to disrupt shipping operations, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported Friday.
In its latest weekly assessment, UKMTO recorded 125 outbound and 129 inbound vessel transits over the past seven days, down from 129 outbound and 146 inbound crossings the previous week.
The agency also documented 12 attacks on commercial vessels during the reporting period, including 10 in the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Gulf, and another in the Gulf of Oman.
Of the vessels involved, six managed to continue their journeys or reach port, while one was lost. Two others were disabled or left without command, and the status of three vessels remained unconfirmed.
Container ship sinks after attack
UKMTO reported that a container ship was struck by an unidentified projectile near Ras Shaykh Masud on October 13.
The attack sparked a fire aboard the vessel, which subsequently sank on October 14.
All crew members were successfully evacuated, according to the agency.
UKMTO warned that the actual number of maritime attacks could be higher than reported, as many targeted vessels have declined to formally report incidents.
Since the conflict began in late February, the agency has recorded 84 maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
The continuing attacks have raised concerns over the safety of commercial shipping along the strategic waterway, which serves as a major passage for global energy supplies and international trade.
The disruptions come amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran over maritime navigation and security in the region.
The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes against Iran, before a ceasefire was reached in April.
However, hostilities later resumed as negotiations between Washington and Tehran stalled, despite the signing of a framework agreement in June.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in diplomatic discussions, with continued security threats affecting international shipping operations.
