Commodity Vessel Transits Dropped in Key Straits
Shipping traffic volumes in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb fell below recent moving averages on September 22.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Transportation
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Data tracking showed that only three commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on September 22, 2026. Simultaneously, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait totaled 22 vessels.
Why it matters
Fluctuations in these critical maritime chokepoints impact global energy and commodity distribution. Monitoring these transit volumes provides insight into potential disruptions along major trade routes.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 3 vessels compared to a 10-day moving average of 15, while the Bab el-Mandeb Strait saw 22 transits against a 26-vessel average. Final figures may shift as additional tracking data becomes available.
The players
Kpler
Kpler is a data and analytics firm that specializes in providing real-time intelligence on global commodity markets and maritime shipping.
LSEG
The London Stock Exchange Group is a global financial markets infrastructure business that provides data, analytics, and software solutions.
Al Mafyar
Al Mafyar is a liquefied natural gas tanker that was tracked transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
The details
The Al Mafyar liquefied natural gas tanker was confirmed inside the Strait of Hormuz on September 22, having been last seen outside the waterway on September 19. Shipping traffic is monitored via data from Kpler and LSEG, though accuracy can be affected when vessels switch off their transponders during voyages.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: The Al Mafyar tanker was last observed outside the Strait of Hormuz.
September 22, 2026: Commodity vessel counts were recorded for both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Market Landscape
This activity follows the 10-day moving average of maritime chokepoint transit volumes, which serves as a benchmark for normal trade flow. The report updates the current status of these corridors relative to those established moving average figures.
Reductions in vessel traffic through these primary chokepoints can lead to volatility in global energy and commodity prices. Consumers and businesses should monitor whether these transit dips persist, as prolonged declines often correlate with increased shipping costs.
The takeaway
Shipping transit data serves as a vital early warning system for potential supply chain constraints. Industry stakeholders watch these daily fluctuations to anticipate shifts in the availability and cost of global commodities.
Further reading
For more on how global supply chains are tracked, visit the Transportation section.
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