Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has begun to recover, with at least 20 oil tankers transiting the waterway as of late this week, according to data from the maritime intelligence firm Kpler. While transit volumes remain significantly below historical averages, the increase follows the conclusion of a U.S. Navy blockade and a temporary toll-free period enacted by Tehran.
Current Status of Strait of Hormuz Traffic
The flow of vessels through the critical maritime chokepoint reached its highest level since June 2, 2024, according to Kpler’s tracking data. Despite this uptick, daily transit numbers have yet to reach pre-conflict levels, which typically saw more than 100 ships, including dozens of oil tankers, pass through the strait daily.
On Thursday, 25 total vessels—including cargo, container, and tanker ships—navigated the channel. The traffic was evenly split, with 13 ships moving west to east and 12 moving in the opposite direction. Data from Kpler confirms that three supertankers from Saudi Arabia and one from the United Arab Emirates were among those transiting the route.
Iranian Crude Oil Movements
Iranian shipping patterns are showing signs of a return to normal operations. Kpler analysts noted that several Iranian supertankers, also known as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), have reactivated their automatic identification system (AIS) transponders. These vessels frequently went "dark"—disabling tracking devices—during the height of recent hostilities.
On Friday, five Iranian supertankers loaded with crude oil were observed departing the region. The reactivation of tracking systems suggests that Iran is moving to reintegrate its crude trade into standard international shipping lanes.
Governance and Future Transit Fees
The current resumption of traffic is governed by a temporary agreement between the United States and Iran. Under the terms of this arrangement, Tehran has suspended toll collections for 60 days to facilitate the movement of commercial goods.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the U.S. government is monitoring the situation, stating that Iranian authorities are currently "honoring their end of the commitment."
The long-term governance of the strait remains uncertain. Once the 60-day toll-free period expires, the agreement mandates that Iran enter into formal discussions with Oman and other Gulf states to determine the future administration of the waterway. This transition period leaves open the possibility that commercial vessels may face new toll requirements or updated regulatory frameworks in the coming months.
Navigation and Compliance
Compliance with international maritime routes remains inconsistent. According to Kpler, 18 of the ships that transited the strait on Thursday utilized a route designated by Iran. Only one vessel followed the route established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The navigational paths for the remaining six ships could not be verified by trade intelligence monitors.
Key Takeaways
- Transit Volume: Traffic is rising but remains well below the pre-war threshold of 100 daily ship transits.
- Iranian Exports: Iranian supertankers have resumed broadcasting transponder signals, signaling a shift toward transparent trade patterns.
- Regulatory Outlook: The current 60-day toll-free window is a bridge to future negotiations between Iran, Oman, and regional partners.
- Route Usage: Most vessels are currently opting for Iranian-designated transit paths rather than standard IMO-recognized corridors.