PARIS, France – Commercial shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level in two months after a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran led to the reopening of the strategically important waterway, maritime tracking data showed on Friday.
According to shipping intelligence firm AXSMarine, 25 commercial vessels transited the strait on Thursday, marking the busiest day since mid-April. The figure is more than three times higher than the average daily traffic recorded since early March, when vessel movements in the area slowed significantly due to escalating regional tensions.
The revival in maritime traffic is also being reflected at nearby ports. At the UAE’s Korfakkan Port, long lines of empty trucks were seen waiting to collect cargo as container ships resumed unloading operations. Witnesses reported several vessels anchored offshore, apparently awaiting docking space as trade activity gradually returned to normal.
The increase follows a recent agreement between Washington and Tehran to reopen the vital shipping route as part of a broader arrangement aimed at ending months of conflict. However, uncertainty persists after planned talks between the two countries in Switzerland were postponed.
AXSMarine noted that the actual number of vessels using the route may be higher than reported because some ships are believed to have switched off or manipulated their Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals while navigating the region.
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The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global energy supplies, was effectively closed after fighting erupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. During the conflict, maritime authorities reported numerous attacks on commercial vessels, disrupting international trade and energy shipments.
Despite the reopening, safety concerns remain. Pakistan’s Navy issued a navigation warning after a sea mine was reportedly sighted near Omani waters in the strait. Ships operating in the area have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority has introduced temporary transit measures for the next 60 days. Under the new regulations, vessels must submit passage requests 48 hours in advance. Authorities have also announced a waiver of transit tariffs and insurance-related charges during the period.
The International Maritime Organization estimates that more than 500 commercial vessels and around 11,000 seafarers remain stranded in Gulf waters, while approximately 20,000 maritime workers have been affected by the conflict overall.
The reopening of the strait has already eased pressure on global energy markets, with oil prices falling in response to expectations of improved supply flows. However, analysts warn that lingering regional tensions could still threaten long-term stability.
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