Constrained Exits Through The Strait Of Hormuz Highlight Persistent Energy Uncertainty

A small number of oil and LNG tankers have resumed departures from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, offering limited relief to Asian energy buyers amid ongoing regional disruptions. Despite the recent movements, shipping traffic through the corridor remains significantly below normal levels.

Selective Movements Amid Heightened Uncertainty

According to data cited by Asharq Al Awsat, two LNG tankers recently departed the strait with destinations including Pakistan and China. A supertanker carrying Iraqi crude also exited the Gulf after remaining delayed for nearly three months. The limited activity reflects continuing uncertainty linked to tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

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Operational Challenges In A Strategic Chokepoint

Roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent vessel movements, including departures involving three Very Large Crude Carriers reported by Reuters, have reportedly followed routes approved by Iranian authorities. Shipping activity remains far below typical daily traffic volumes of approximately 125 to 140 vessel transits. Some days have recorded as few as 11 movements through the corridor.

Implications For Energy Markets And Seafarers

The limited resumption of cargo movements, such as LNG shipments to Pakistan and crude consignments to China, signals that some controlled trade continues despite prevailing risks. Notable voyages include the LNG tanker Fuwairit, which recently crossed the strait en route to Pakistan, and the Singapore-flagged VLCC Eagle Verona, currently chartered by Unipec, Sinopec’s trading arm. Nevertheless, the broader landscape remains unsettled, compounded by security risks, unresolved mine clearance, stringent insurance conditions, and the predicament of approximately 20,000 stranded seafarers still confined to Gulf waters.

Looking Ahead: Restoring Stability

For the shipping industry and energy stakeholders, the current vessel movements represent both a sign of operational continuity and a stark reminder of deeper uncertainties. As tanker broker Gibson noted, a full return to pre-war normalcy hinges on improved on-ground security, updated insurance protocols, and enhanced clearance measures. Until such reforms materialize, transit through the Strait of Hormuz is likely to remain selective and closely monitored, reinforcing the critical need for strategic reassessment in global energy logistics.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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