Vessel Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz Reaches Highest Level Since Early March

On April 6, foreign media reported that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has risen to its highest level since the onset of the Middle East conflict, as more countries have reached security passage agreements with Iran. Over the weekend, a total of 21 vessels passed through the waterway, marking the highest two-day total since traffic began to decline in early March. Although the current number of vessels is still far below pre-war levels (approximately 135 vessels), more countries have obtained passage permits. A senior crude oil analyst at Singapore’s Kpler stated, ‘Iran is strengthening its control over Hormuz while responding to requests from its partners. Passage still depends on Iran’s willingness, and the situation could change at any time if the conflict escalates.’ So far, most of the vessels granted passage appear to be following the routes indicated by Tehran, navigating close to the Iranian coast. However, more vessels are also beginning to choose to travel along the opposite shore.