How many ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz?

How many ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz?

Ship-tracking data reveals four Iranian-associated vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the US naval blockade began. However, two of these vessels appear to have shifted direction, as shown by MarineTraffic’s location records. The US-sanctioned tanker Rich Starry, which reported cargo transport, moved east from Sharjah in the UAE via the strait overnight but later reversed its course. Similarly, the bulk carrier Christianna, which traversed the waterway on Monday after docking at Bandar Iman Khomeini in Iran, also returned westward. Another US-listed tanker, Elpis, navigated the strait on Tuesday, possibly originating from Iran’s Bushehr port, with tracking data indicating it remained stationary on the eastern side of the passage that evening.

US Central Command confirmed that six vessels adhered to orders to turn back, stating “no ships from Iranian ports managed to bypass the blockade.” Meanwhile, BBC Verify’s analysis shows two Iranian-flagged ships departing from near Chahbahar port—located east of the strait on Iran’s southern coast—after the blockade was imposed. The cargo ship Ashkan3 and container ship Shabdis both left the port area on Tuesday and traveled over 500km (310 miles) beyond Iranian waters.

“The risk of further escalation involving direct ship attacks is growing,” said Jakob Larsen of the Baltic and International Maritime Council, which represents shipowners. “We need clear confirmation that navigation safety for vessels and crews is being ensured,” added Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping.

The disruption in shipping has significantly affected global energy markets, raising concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Before the conflict began on 28 February, an average of 138 ships daily crossed the strait. If non-Iranian vessels resume passage at a faster rate, experts predict that fully loaded tankers will be prioritized for release. “Nearly 800 ships are stranded, and most are now carrying cargo,” said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List. “The priority will be to get them out of the area.”

Analyses indicate that ships exiting the strait have taken a northern path near Iran’s coast, within its territorial waters. This contrasts with pre-conflict routes, which typically used the central channel. The IRGC Navy has designated a central section of the strait as a “dangerous area,” urging vessels to avoid it to prevent mine collisions. Centcom has deployed two destroyers—USS Frank E Petersen and USS Michael Murphy—to clear “sea mines” in the region.