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No ships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since conflict began, data shows

Maritime tracking data showed that no ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, marking the first full day since the Middle East conflict began without any confirmed commercial traffic in either direction. Crossings dropped to zero, below the previous seven-day average of 2.57 daily transits, according to maritime analytics firm Windward. Although no vessels entered the waterway that day, about 400 ships sailed in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, it said. “The concentration suggests that...

Mar 16, 2026 &03301616202631; 09:30 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 4/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Zero commercial ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday for the first time since the Middle East conflict began, marking a critical disruption to global oil supply routes. This unprecedented blockage threatens significant supply chain disruptions and could trigger substantial increases in energy prices and shipping costs globally.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Crude oil prices likely to surge due to Strait of Hormuz blockade disrupting ~21% of global petroleum transit

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Gold typically rises as safe-haven asset during geopolitical crises and supply chain disruptions

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Energy crisis impacts European economy disproportionately; currency volatility expected

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Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities pressured by energy supply concerns and inflation risks from oil spike

↓

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

U.S. equities vulnerable to energy cost inflation and broader economic slowdown risks

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Immediately increase exposure to energy commodities (CL=F, GC=F) and defensive sectors; reduce equity positions in cyclical stocks. Monitor for potential OPEC emergency response and consider hedging currency exposure to EUR given disproportionate energy dependency.

KEY SIGNALS

First complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz since conflict onsetMaritime traffic dropped from 2.57 daily average to zero400 ships queued in Gulf of Oman indicating supply bottleneckCritical chokepoint controls ~21% of global oil tradeGeopolitical escalation risk remains elevated

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyShipping & LogisticsTransportationManufacturingUtilities

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 10:38 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

No ships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since conflict began, data shows

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