Global maritime trade is facing one of its most serious disruptions in years, with ocean traffic between Asia and the Middle East falling sharply amid geopolitical tensions that have severely constrained access through the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for global energy and cargo flows.
Major shipping data show a dramatic collapse in vessel movements, with only a tiny fraction of normal traffic transiting the narrow waterway that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Before the recent conflict involving Iran, more than 100 vessels typically passed through daily. In the past week, that figure has dropped to single‑digit transits, according to analysts tracking Automatic Identification System (AIS) data.
The immediate trigger has been the near‑closure of the Strait of Hormuz following escalating hostilities, particularly between Iran and United States‑Israeli forces. Energy exports — including crude oil and liquefied natural gas — have nearly ground to a halt, with tanker movements sharply reduced and freight and insurance costs surging worldwide.
Global carriers have reacted.
• Major lines such as A.P. Moller‑Maersk have suspended cargo bookings to many Gulf ports and are warning customers about severe supply chain risks in the region.
• Hapag‑Lloyd disclosed record‑level operating costs — tens of millions of dollars weekly — as vessels are stranded or rerouted to avoid the conflict zone.
• Other carriers have begun rerouting ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to two weeks to transit times and driving up fuel and logistical costs.
In this tough environment, progress has been tentative but notable for one major shipping group. Two ultra‑large container ships operated by the Chinese state‑owned COSCO Shipping — the CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean — successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after an earlier attempt was aborted due to safety concerns.
The passage marks the first confirmed transit of large commercial container vessels since the crisis erupted, though experts caution that it does not signal a full reopening of the strait. Analysts note that transits remain severely limited compared with pre‑conflict levels, and most carriers are still avoiding direct Gulf routes.
The successful COSCO transit appears tied to diplomatic coordination, with Iranian authorities reportedly granting safe passage for select vessels from “friendly” nations under strict conditions. China’s foreign ministry confirmed the crossings and emphasized the need for stability in Gulf waters.
Despite these limited movements, the broader picture remains bleak: millions of tonnes of goods are delayed, routes have been upended, and freight markets are pricing in heightened geopolitical risk. For global supply chains that rely on the busy Asia–Middle East corridor — particularly for energy, machinery, and consumer goods — the sudden drop in shipping traffic presents deep economic challenges that may persist without a significant de‑escalation in the region.
