The Strait of Hormuz remains an uncertain point for transport planning. The British Maritime Trade Operations center, or UKMTO for short, reports a total of 254 transits for the seven days through October 14. According to the report, this is approximately 70 percent below pre-conflict levels.
This figure requires clear classification. 129 transits were inbound, 125 outbound. Only a small portion was monitored via AIS. AIS is the Automatic Identification System, which ships use to transmit their position, among other things. The larger portion of the total comes from separately provided US data. UKMTO cannot currently confirm this independently.
The picture of attacks also remains incomplete. According to the maritime authority, the majority of attacked vessels refuse direct reporting to UKMTO. Further information cannot simply be added to statistics due to lack of verification. Few published incidents are therefore not reliable evidence of safe passage. (Source: gCaptain)
For freight forwarders and shippers, this means: A confirmed booking should not automatically be treated as a confirmed transit. Prior to shipment, it must be clarified in writing whether the shipping line actually operates the specific route, which intermediate ports are scheduled, and when the cargo is expected to move forward.
Those who have committed to a fixed delivery date should involve the consignee early. It is advisable to establish an agreed-upon point for a new decision: continue with the booked connection or explore alternatives. This must account for additional transshipments, land transport, and customs procedures.
Insurance should also be on the agenda. Before rerouting, shippers and insurers should clarify whether the changed route is covered and what additional conditions apply. Binding confirmations are more helpful here than a general statement that the strait is "open."