Since US-Iran tensions escalated around the Strait of Hormuz, this vital sea lane has split into two main corridors: the northern route hugging Iran's coast and the southern route near Oman. Tehran says it only allows vessels with permission to use the northern route, while Washington urges ships to take the southern route under US Navy protection.
Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler shows that between August 1 and August 19, 112 tankers carrying crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passed through the strait. Of these, 21 openly used the Iranian route and only 2 openly took the Omani route. Notably, the remaining 89 ships (over 80% of energy carriers) traveled on dark or unidentified routes.
When including dry bulk and chemical carriers, the total number of vessels transiting the strait rises to 236. Among them, 83 openly used the Iranian route, only 3 used the Omani route, and 2 followed the pre-war legacy route. As many as 148 ships (over 60%) turned off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) or took unidentified routes.
Switching off AIS helps vessels avoid detection and targeting by US or Iranian forces. Both sides have fired on ships violating their maritime regulations. Additionally, some ships conduct ship-to-ship transfers at sea to evade tracking and sanctions.
Notably, despite the US having the world's most powerful navy, one-fifth of energy-carrying vessels still openly pass through Iran's route, a figure that rises to 35% when including dry bulk and chemical carriers. Conversely, only 2 energy vessels and 4 ships of all types openly used the other route. This suggests shipowners fear confrontation with Tehran more than with Washington.
Experts say Iran still retains significant control over maritime activity at Hormuz. However, the increasing use of alternative routes and ship-to-ship transfers could weaken Iran's leverage in negotiations with the US. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route that carried about one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG before the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28.
