The Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, made its second entry into the volatile Strait of Hormuz on July 7, heading towards Qatar's Ras Laffan for loading. This transit marks the vessel's cautious return to the region, having been stranded west of the Strait at the onset of conflict in March before successfully exiting later that month. Its presence was notable as it was the only inbound LPG carrier identified on July 7 amidst a significant increase in unmonitored vessel movements.
Increased 'Dark Crossings' Raise Concerns
Data from S&P Global MINT and S&P Global Commodities at Sea revealed a sharp rise in 'dark crossings' through the Strait of Hormuz on July 7. A staggering 36% of all transits that day were conducted with vessels operating without visible tracking, a notable jump from the July-to-date average of 21%. This practice, where ships turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, often suggests heightened security concerns or attempts to evade detection, making tracking and identification challenging.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The increase in 'dark transits' coincided with a period of intense regional instability. The US Central Command confirmed two attacks on commercial vessels on July 7, which led to retaliatory US strikes on Iranian assets, primarily in Hormozgan province. In response, Iran reportedly launched strikes on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait on July 8. Further complicating the situation, the US Department of the Treasury revoked a license issued in June that had permitted Iran to sell oil globally, adding economic pressure to the existing military tensions.
Impact on Shipping Patterns
Overall traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained steady at 47 transits on July 7, but inbound traffic constituted only one-quarter of the total crossings—the lowest daily proportion since June 12. This disparity suggests a considerable increase in caution among ship owners and charterers regarding vessels entering the Middle East Gulf. Energy-related vessels also saw their lowest proportion of total movements since June 28, accounting for just 38% of traffic. The Nanda Devi's solitary inbound status underscores the prevailing apprehension and the complex operational environment for shipping in this critical waterway.