Hormuz Strait Traffic Plummets 60% on July 23, Bab el-Mandeb Rebounds to 49 Vessels

According to Keppler, a global maritime data provider, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply on July 23, with only 6 vessels completing transit compared to the prior day, marking a 60% decline. The majority of transiting vessels used shipping lanes designated by Iran.

Meanwhile, the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, saw 49 vessels complete passage that day, higher than previous levels. The data included 4 vessels operating without automatic identification systems (AIS), indicating "dark sailing" activity. Keppler noted that some vessels previously forced to turn back due to regional security concerns have resumed navigation, though others remain cautious.