Hormuz Strait Traffic Hits 2-Month High After US-Iran Deal

Commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz surged to its highest point since April on Thursday, with 25 merchant vessels recorded crossing the strategic waterway. This significant increase follows the recent framework agreement between the United States and Iran, which facilitated the reopening of this vital maritime route.

Data from maritime tracking platform AXSMarine indicates that Thursday's 25 verified crossings represent the busiest single day for commercial traffic through the strait since April 18. This figure is notably five times greater than the daily average observed during the first ten days of June, highlighting the immediate impact of the diplomatic breakthrough.

Before the recent conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for hydrocarbon trade, saw approximately 120 ships pass daily, according to Lloyd's List. AXSMarine reported a daily average of only 7.6 crossings since early March. The strait is crucial, with about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit occurring through it before the conflict began on February 28.

The conflict, which erupted on February 28 with attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, had severely disrupted global trade and economies. The recent agreement between Washington and Tehran aims to end the conflict and has now eased the blockade on this essential maritime passage. However, the International Maritime Organization reports that over 500 commercial vessels remain blocked in the Persian Gulf, with approximately 11,000 sailors aboard.

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On June 18, we observed 25 verified crossings of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the highest number in a single day since April 18, and five times more than the daily average recorded in the first ten days of June.