SHIPPING traffic through the Strait of Hormuz grew significantly last week, as trade linked to Iran increased despite continued US restrictions on vessels calling at Iranian ports, according to Lloyd’s List.

At least 54 ships went through the Strait of Hormuz between May 11 and 17, compared with only 25 the previous week, the British shipping industry daily reported on Tuesday, citing vessel-tracking data.

The Lloyd’s report said the increase came amid a surge in Iran-related trade activity. 

It also highlighted that a liquefied natural gas carrier owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company entered Gulf waters while operating with its automatic identification system switched off.

Data from London-based maritime analytics company Windward showed that 19 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, including nine inbound and 10 outbound ships.

Inbound traffic mainly consisted of cargo vessels flying the flags of countries including India and Sri Lanka. Outbound traffic included one tanker and nine cargo ships, five of which were flying the Iranian flag.

Iran still has a chokehold on the strait, even as the US has continued to enforce its blockade of Iranian ports.

The wild shifts in global energy markets caused by the duelling blockades have pushed up fuel prices, causing a worldwide cost-of-living crisis.