Major commercial vessels have begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz following the signing of a US-Iran agreement, marking the first significant movement through the vital waterway after months of disruption, according to maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
According to multiple media reports, vessels owned by major international operators are once again passing through the strait after effectively being stranded since February. The renewed movement comes in the wake of a framework agreement signed between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating hostilities and restoring maritime stability in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its partial closure during the conflict had triggered severe disruptions in global shipping and energy markets.
Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, which provides global shipping news and maritime business intelligence, confirmed that tankers operated by major shipping groups including Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK Line have now crossed the strait. In addition, two sanctioned crude oil tankers operated by Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company were also reported to have entered the waterway.
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However, analysts caution that shipping routes remain only partially restored. Phillip Belcher, marine director of Intertanko, said the main central shipping channel is still closed and requires clearance, with reports suggesting around 80 mines remain to be removed. He added that while the primary route remains restricted, alternative passages are now in use.
“These two routes now seem to be fully open,” Belcher said, referring to the northern passage through Iranian waters and the southern route through Omani waters, which are currently being used for commercial transit.
Lloyd’s List noted that it has not provided exact figures on the number of vessels that have passed through since operations resumed, but confirmed that movement has restarted after an extended pause.
The partial reopening of the strait is being viewed as an early sign of stabilisation following the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, which also includes commitments to further negotiations over a broader peace settlement in the coming weeks.
While shipping activity is resuming, industry officials say full normalisation will depend on sustained security guarantees and completion of demining operations in affected areas.
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