Global Shipping Through Hormuz Strait Severely Disrupted Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict

Since the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, global energy transportation through the Hormuz Strait has faced significant disruptions. According to Jin10, data from market service agencies indicate that since March, the number of merchant ships passing through the strait has decreased by 95% compared to before the conflict. Agence France-Presse reported on March 23, citing data from market service agency Kepler, that from March 1 to 16:00 GMT on March 23, only 144 merchant ships passed through the Hormuz Strait, marking a 95% reduction compared to February 28, before the conflict erupted. Among these, 91 transits involved vessels transporting oil and natural gas, with most heading eastward after exiting the strait. The multinational agency "Combined Maritime Forces," led by the U.S. Navy, revealed that prior to the conflict, approximately 138 ships passed through the strait daily. Agence France-Presse noted that on March 23, ships passing through the Hormuz Strait appeared to be using a northern route. This route is reportedly located north of Iran's Larak Island and has been approved by the Iranian government.