**Shipping Traffic via Strait of Hormuz Slips Below Ten-Day Average, Data Shows**
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil and gas shipments, experienced a notable decline in shipping traffic on Thursday, with only seven commodity vessels transiting the strait. This figure marks a significant decrease from the 17 vessels recorded the previous day and falls below the ten-day average of 15 vessels, according to preliminary shipping data reported by shiptracker Kpler.
Among the vessels that made the crossing on Thursday were two medium-range tankers, one very large gas carrier (VLGC), one Ultramax vessel, one intermediate tanker, and two chemical tankers. The data, collected at 3:15 AM GMT, indicates that four of the vessels were exiting the strait, including the two chemical tankers along with one medium-range and one intermediate tanker. The remaining three vessels, which included the VLGC, Ultramax, and another medium-range tanker, were entering the strait.
It is important to note that shipping traffic figures can be subject to change, as some vessels may turn off their transponders during transit, leading to potential discrepancies in reported data.
The recent decline in traffic comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the security and management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's mediators have renewed efforts to facilitate the reopening of the strait, with Tehran reportedly agreeing to draft a list of conditions aimed at restoring normal shipping operations. This development follows a diplomatic push from a Qatari emissary who urged Iranian officials to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.
In related maritime news, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another significant chokepoint in the Middle East, saw a total of 17 commodity vessels transiting on the same day. This included six vessels entering the strait and 11 vessels exiting, indicating a more robust shipping activity in that region compared to the Strait of Hormuz.
As the dynamics of shipping traffic continue to evolve, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains closely monitored by international stakeholders, given its strategic importance in the global energy supply chain.