Two vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s decision to reopen the critical shipping route under a temporary ceasefire agreement, marking the first such movement after weeks of disruption.
According to maritime tracking platform MarineTraffic, the Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the strait at 08:44 UTC on Wednesday, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach had earlier made the passage at 06:59 UTC after departing from the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
The development follows a two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran, which includes provisions allowing controlled maritime access through the strait. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that vessel movements during this period would be coordinated with Iran’s armed forces.
Despite the breakthrough, analysts have urged caution in interpreting the significance of the crossings. Ana Subasic, an analyst with Kpler, the parent company of MarineTraffic, noted that while the transit of NJ Earth could signal the beginning of renewed activity, it remains unclear whether it represents a broader reopening of the vital trade corridor or a one-off exception.
Data from maritime sources show that the vessel maintained its tracking signal and followed an Iranian-approved route near Larak Island, a passage that has been used by ships navigating the strait under tight restrictions in recent weeks. The destination of the vessel has not yet been confirmed.
Shipping activity in the region has been heavily constrained since late February, when Iran restricted access to the strait in response to attacks involving the United States and Israel. Between March 1 and April 7, only 307 commodity-carrying vessels crossed the waterway, representing a sharp 95 per cent drop compared to normal levels, according to Kpler data.
Industry reports indicate that hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, with shipping publication Lloyd’s List estimating that about 800 ships are currently awaiting clearance or safer conditions before resuming their journeys.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during peacetime. The partial reopening is therefore being closely monitored by global markets and shipping operators for signs of a sustained return to normal operations.
