The first vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Iran and the U.S. agreed to a two-week ceasefire, according to ship-tracking service MarineTraffic on Wednesday [1]. Despite this development, overall traffic through the strategic waterway remains subdued, with experts and industry professionals noting that the slow trickle of ships has not increased significantly since the ceasefire began [1]. Notably, oil tanker traffic has been completely halted following an Israeli attack on Lebanon, which has destabilized the fragile ceasefire, as reported by Iranian state news agency Fars [1]. The two vessels identified by MarineTraffic are bulk carriers transporting dry cargo, not oil [1].
Uncertainty persists in the maritime industry, even after Iran assured on Tuesday that vessels could safely navigate the strait during the ceasefire. Tehran has stipulated that passage is only possible with coordination from Iran's Armed Forces and consideration of technical limitations, contributing to confusion among shipping companies [1]. Iran is reportedly planning to demand cryptocurrency tolls from shipping firms for oil tanker passage and will inspect each ship for weapons, according to the Financial Times and a spokesperson for Iran's oil, gas, and petrochemical products exporters' union [1].
Shipping companies remain cautious, with many in a holding pattern. One shipping executive told CNBC, "We have no information about how we could transit the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire ... We are not in contact with the Iranian authorities," emphasizing the need for absolute guarantees regarding crew safety before deciding to transit [1].
U.S. officials maintain that the ceasefire agreement has cleared the path for ships. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, "The strait is open," while Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine said, "I believe so, based on the diplomatic negotiation" [1]. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. "will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz," expressing optimism about positive action and economic opportunities, and suggesting that Iran can begin reconstruction [1].
CONCLUSION
While the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has allowed the first ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, oil tanker traffic remains halted and overall shipping activity is low due to ongoing uncertainty and new toll requirements. Market sentiment is cautious, with industry participants seeking clarity and safety assurances before resuming normal operations. The situation continues to have a high impact on global shipping and energy markets.