One of the world’s most critical shipping routes, the Strait of Hormuz, has begun to see limited vessel movement again after Iran agreed to reopen the waterway under a temporary ceasefire with the United States.
However, maritime traffic remains significantly below normal levels, with hundreds of ships still stranded in nearby waters.
The narrow passage—just 34 kilometres wide between Iran and Oman—serves as the main route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. It is responsible for transporting nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies, along with essential goods such as fertiliser.
Under normal circumstances, about 20% of global crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments pass through the strait.
First Ships Cross After Ceasefire Takes Effect
A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into force overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Within hours of the agreement, two vessels—NJ Earth and Daytona Beach—successfully crossed the strait, marking the first confirmed movements since restrictions were imposed.
The crisis began on February 28, when military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted sites in Iran. Tehran retaliated by imposing restrictions on movement through the strait, triggering widespread disruption in global shipping.
Despite the reopening, Iranian naval authorities have warned vessels that permission from Tehran remains mandatory before crossing. Ships attempting to pass without clearance risk being targeted, according to reports.
Shipping Activity Still Far Below Normal Levels
Even after the ceasefire, maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz remains extremely limited.
Key figures highlight the scale of disruption:
- Only 8 commodity carriers per day crossed between March 1 and April 7
- This marks a 95% drop from typical daily traffic
- Out of 307 crossings, 199 were oil and gas tankers
- Most vessels travelled east toward the Gulf of Oman
- 6 out of 10 ships were linked to Iranian interests
- Among cargo tankers, that number rose to 8 out of 10
Experts say movement remains unpredictable due to ongoing security concerns and congestion.
Hundreds Of Ships Remain Stranded
A major backlog of vessels continues to build across Gulf waters.
Current estimates show:
- Around 800 ships stranded in the Gulf since late February
- 172 million barrels of oil stored at sea
- Distributed across 187 tankers
The International Energy Agency has described the situation as the worst oil supply disruption in history.
Oil flows through the strait have dropped dramatically—from roughly 20 million barrels per day during peacetime to just 2.6 million barrels per day since March 1.
Analysts believe crude oil shipments will likely be prioritised as traffic resumes.
Security Threats Continue Despite Ceasefire
Even with reduced hostilities, maritime risks remain elevated.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly claimed responsibility for several recent maritime incidents.
One confirmed case involved the tanker Qingdao Star, which was struck by a projectile above the waterline.
Since March 1:
- 30 commercial vessels, including 13 tankers, have reported attacks or security incidents
- These incidents occurred across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman
Such risks continue to deter shipping companies from resuming normal operations.
Emergence Of A New “Iran-Approved” Shipping Route
Most vessels are now using a route close to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island.
Shipping analysts have informally labelled this route the “Tehran Toll Booth.”
Some ship operators are reportedly:
- Paying Iran for safe passage
- Negotiating movement through diplomatic channels
- Paying large sums—reportedly up to $2 million in at least one case—to cross safely
This arrangement underscores how geopolitical tensions are reshaping maritime trade patterns.
Ceasefire Brokered After Escalating Threats
The two-week ceasefire agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz after nearly six weeks of conflict.
Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire, stating that he had accepted a proposal put forward by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.
The announcement came shortly after strong warnings that U.S. forces could target Iranian infrastructure if the strait was not reopened.