Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab remained subdued at the start of the week, with vessel transits declining slightly.
Data from Kpler shows that only six vessels—comprising three tankers and three bulk carriers—passed through the strategic chokepoint on Monday, down from seven the previous day.
The slow pace reflects ongoing caution among shipping operators as geopolitical tensions persist.
The muted traffic levels come as diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran show little sign of rapid progress.
Investors and traders are closely monitoring these talks, which remain a key variable for global energy supply chains.
The lack of a breakthrough has kept risk premiums embedded in energy markets, with Brent crude prices holding steady rather than retreating to pre-escalation levels.