First Ships Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz Since Ceasefire

An oil tanker is pictured off the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, which is the main base of the Islamic republic’s navy and has a strategic position on the Strait of Hormuzon. Credit: AFP

First Ships Pass Through Strait of Hormuz Since Ceasefire

On April 8, 2026, maritime traffic resumed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since Iran imposed severe restrictions in late February.

This reopening follows a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, marking a cautious but significant step toward easing tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Access to the Strait of Hormuz had been heavily restricted by Iran as retaliation against U.S. and Israeli attacks beginning February 28. The blockade led to a dramatic reduction in shipping activity, with commodity carriers making only 307 crossings between March 1 and April 7, a 95 percent decrease compared to peacetime traffic.

Given that around one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) normally passes through the strait, the restrictions had far-reaching implications for global energy markets.

According to maritime monitor MarineTraffic, two vessels successfully crossed the strait on April 8. The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth transited at 08:44 UTC, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach passed earlier at 06:59 UTC after departing Bandar Abbas. Both ships followed Iranian-approved routes near Larak Island, a corridor used by most vessels in recent weeks.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the ceasefire would last two weeks, during which passage through the strait would be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.

Analysts caution that while these initial crossings are encouraging, they may represent isolated exceptions rather than a full-scale reopening.

Shipping journal Lloyd’s List reported that approximately 800 vessels remain stuck in the Gulf, with shipowners and charterers preparing to move them if conditions improve.

Analysts warn that risk and compliance considerations remain high, and the industry is treating the first transits with caution until more consistent traffic resumes.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world. Its closure or restriction has immediate consequences for global energy supply chains, particularly crude oil and LNG exports.

The reopening, even under temporary ceasefire conditions, is therefore a development closely watched by governments, energy companies, and financial markets.

The passage of NJ Earth and Daytona Beach through the Strait of Hormuz symbolizes a tentative easing of tensions between Iran and the United States.

However, with hundreds of vessels still stranded and the ceasefire limited to two weeks, the situation remains fragile. The coming days will reveal whether this marks the beginning of a sustained reopening or merely a temporary reprieve in a volatile region.