Ceasefire opens Strait of Hormuz as first ships transit after weeks of disruption

Two vessels have resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, signalling a tentative easing of tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

According to 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 transited at 06:59 UTC after departing Bandar Abbas.

The development follows a two-week ceasefire agreed overnight between Washington and Tehran, under which vessels may pass through the waterway in coordination with Iran’s armed forces. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the arrangement would allow controlled navigation during the truce period.

Despite the crossings, analysts urged caution. Ana Subasic, an analyst at Kpler, the parent company of MarineTraffic, noted that the NJ Earth’s transit could either signal the beginning of broader reopening or simply reflect a previously authorised exception.

The vessel reportedly maintained its transponder signal and used an apptoved route near Larak Island, which has been the designated corridor for limited maritime movement in recent weeks.

Shipping activity in the strait has sharply declined since Iran restricted access in response to US and Israeli strikes beginning on February 28. Data from Kpler shows just 307 commodity carrier crossings between March 1 and April 7 — a 95 per cent drop compared with normal levels.

The disruption has left an estimated 800 vessels stranded in the Gulf, according to Lloyd’s List, with some shipowners now preparing to resume operations amid the fragile ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during peacetime.