Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz edges higher after a sharp disruption, according to maritime tracking data cited by multiple outlets. Between May 11 and May 17, 55 commodities vessels crossed the strategic waterway, based on data from Kpler. This follows a major drop in the prior week, when only 19 vessels transited the strait—described as the lowest weekly figure since the first U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, which had triggered widespread disruption.
The latest figure is described as a partial recovery rather than a full return to normal. The crossings over the past week are characterized as broadly in line with the wartime averages recorded since the start of the Middle East conflict. Since March 1, Kpler has recorded 663 commodity vessels transiting the strait, averaging 55 per week.
One account also reports that Iranian authorities, through Iranian state television, indicate the Revolutionary Guards are allowing more ships to pass, after earlier reports of significantly more limited transits. About half of the tankers crossing last week carry liquids, including three very large crude carriers, according to the same tracking summary.
