Hormuz traffic slows as uncertainty over waterway persists

SINGAPORE - Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed, data showed on Aug 19, as most shipowners avoided the key waterway because of a lack of clear signalling on its reopening from a blockade during the Iran war.Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Aug 18, Kpler data showed by 2.58am GMT (10.58am, Singapore time), down from nine a day earlier and below the 10-day daily average of 11.Inbound traffic included an empty very large crude carrier that followed the Omani side of the strait, as well as two tankers, one of medium-range and the other intermediate, the data showed.Two medium-range fuel tankers and a post-Panamax vessel exited the strait.On Aug 18, US President Donald Trump said no talks were taking place with Iran and insisted the Strait of Hormuz was open, contradicting I