In March, 220 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with liquid tankers leading the traffic at 111 crossings, representing 51% of the total. The data from MarineTraffic and Kpler indicated that 82 dry bulk vessels (37%) and 27 LPG carriers (12%) followed, while no liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments were recorded. The majority of the traffic was west-to-east, with 149 crossings (68%) moving out of the Gulf, highlighting an uneven flow pattern. The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28, has heightened tensions in the region, significantly impacting shipping operations. Recently, a Maltese-flagged container ship, owned by French maritime group CMA CGM, successfully navigated a new Iranian-approved route, marking a notable development amid the strained maritime situation. This route, referred to as the “Tehran Toll Booth,” allows vessels to bypass some of the heightened risks in the area.