Gulf shipping

Strait of Hormuz in late October: about 492 ships waiting and transits far below normal

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still a fraction of normal, and the number of ships waiting around it has grown. The figures differ by source, so we give each as reported, then what it means for cargo moving through the UAE.

About 492 vessels waiting (25 Oct)28 attacks recorded in OctoberJebel Ali operating

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Published 2026-10-26 · MIDTRANS SHIPPING AND SERVICES

Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager

Ships waiting

About 492 vessels at anchorages around the strait on 25 October.

Transits

Far below the pre-war daily average, by every count.

Security

28 attacks in October; tankers hit near Oman on 21 and 22 October.

For UAE cargo

Jebel Ali works; ports outside the strait and the road via Jordan are the alternatives.

Ships waiting

About 492 vessels waiting outside the strait

The Joint Maritime Information Centre estimated on 25 October that about 492 vessels were waiting outside the Strait of Hormuz: around 194 near Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, 178 off Dubai, 55 near Musandam and Sohar in Oman, and about 32 near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. The centre noted that this is a count across several anchorages, and that not every vessel is waiting to transit.

It also reported pressure on some vessels to change course to the northern route that Iran controls, and rising interference with ship position signals in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Transits

Traffic far below normal — the counts differ

The sources measure traffic differently. According to the same report, 101 vessels crossed the strait with US assistance between 22 and 24 October, against a normal average of 138 a day. The IMF's PortWatch, quoted by IBTimes, recorded four transits on 18 October, against a pre-war average of about 85 a day.

Whatever the baseline, transits are a small share of normal. The Washington Institute counted 28 attacks on shipping in October, the highest monthly number on record. UKMTO reported tankers struck by projectiles near Oman on 21 and 22 October; both continued, and their crews were safe.

101 transits over 22–24 October (normal: 138 a day)
4 transits on 18 October (pre-war: about 85 a day)
28 attacks recorded in October

UAE ports

Jebel Ali is operating, with far fewer ships

DP World says Jebel Ali is fully operational and has suffered no physical damage, but vessel traffic has fallen sharply. The port handled 3.1 million TEU in the first half of 2026, down 59.5%, and 374,000 TEU in the second quarter, down 90.1%. DP World has expanded inland connectivity across its network and agreed to develop two terminals at Fujairah, on the coast outside the strait, under a 50-year concession.

For shippers

What this means for Gulf cargo to Syria

For cargo from the UAE, the practical routes are those that avoid a Hormuz transit: east-coast ports such as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, and the road corridor through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Syria. Expect longer and less predictable sea transits through the strait, and confirm each sailing before you commit.

MIDTRANS plans UAE to Syria cargo by sea or by road and names the gateway in the quote. See also our earlier note on Hormuz, Jebel Ali and Fujairah.

Sources

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many ships are waiting near Hormuz?

The Joint Maritime Information Centre estimated about 492 vessels at anchorages outside the strait on 25 October 2026, not all of them waiting to transit.

How much traffic passes the strait now?

Far less than normal. One report counts 101 transits over 22–24 October against a normal 138 a day; PortWatch counted four on 18 October against about 85 a day before the war.

Is Jebel Ali open?

Yes. DP World says the port is fully operational with no physical damage, although vessel traffic and volumes have fallen sharply.

How can cargo reach Syria from the UAE?

By sea through ports outside the strait, such as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, or by road through Saudi Arabia and Jordan. We confirm the best option with each quote.

Cargo moving through the UAE?

Send us the shipment details and we will propose the gateway, the route and the price.

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