Following the signing of the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued for the moment.
A spokesman for the Association of German Shipowners (VDR) told dpa that the association could not currently detect any significant increase in traffic.
“While more than 100 ship transits are normally recorded daily, the transits recorded most recently have predominantly been in the single-digit to low double-digit range.”
Earlier in the morning, the maritime data provider Windward reported on X that seven cargo ships were currently passing through the strait, and further vessels were moving from the Gulf towards the passage. The data provider Kpler counted four transits by early Thursday afternoon, the company said.
An overview from the UN’s specialized agency for maritime transport up to Tuesday showed the number of transits has increased slightly from a low level. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which draws on several sources, estimated the number of crossings on Tuesday at 15. Kpler recorded 14 crossings on Tuesday and six on Wednesday.
The framework agreement between the US and Iran, which has now been signed, provides for the lifting of mutual blockades of the strait to shipping. However, details remain unclear.
Germany’s largest container shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, told dpa: “Our four chartered vessels in the Persian Gulf are being prepared for passage through the Strait of Hormuz – but we will only sail through once it is safe to do so.” The company did not specify a timetable. Hapag-Lloyd will first assess how the agreement between the US and Iran is being implemented.
According to expert estimates, the normalization of energy product supplies from the region could still take some time even after the strait reopens, as production facilities have been damaged. Furthermore, insurers must first adapt to the new situation.
At the start of the war with Israel and the US, Iran had rendered the strait impassable for international shipping through attacks and threats.
The US subsequently responded by imposing its own naval blockade on ships intended to call at or depart from Iranian ports. China is considered the main buyer of Iranian oil. With the lifting of the US naval blockade, Iran could quickly regain vital revenue.
