Hormuz Traffic Falls to 20% of Normal as Iran Imposes Fees Up to $2 Million
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 14
Hormuz Traffic Falls to 20% of Normal as Iran Imposes Fees Up to $2 Million
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 14
Summary
3,371 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the 167 days through Aug. 13—about 20% of pre-war traffic, with ships now splitting among Iranian, Omani, dark and limited pre-war routes.
Iranian strikes on vessels using routes Tehran had not authorized shattered a mid-June ceasefire rebound, while Iran had already declared the old central lane a danger zone after laying mines.
1,514 crossings used dark or unknown routes and 1,338 used Iran’s route, reflecting efforts to avoid attacks or comply with Tehran, even as dark sailing raises collision risks and can void insurance.
War-risk insurance has jumped to 7.5%-10% of a ship’s value from 0.25% before the war, and Iran is reportedly charging tankers up to $2 million to transit the strait.
The dispute now reaches beyond shipping safety: Oman says passage is protected under international law, while U.S. sanctions on Iran’s fee-collecting PGSA leave shippers exposed whichever route they choose.