Global energy logistics have been thrown into significant turmoil as U.S. maritime blockade measures against Iran and Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz collide, but a limited resumption of vessel traffic is now emerging.
The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing two U.S. officials, that more than 20 commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. While this remains limited compared to the pre-war average of approximately 140 ships per day, the development is interpreted as a signal that maritime logistics, which had been effectively paralyzed, is partially recovering.
"Over 20 Ships Pass in One Day... Limited Recovery of Hormuz Traffic"
The vessels that transited the strait included cargo ships, container ships, and tankers, with some two-way movement into and out of the Persian Gulf also reported. However, some ships reportedly operated with their transponders turned off to avoid potential Iranian attacks.
The United States is currently implementing a "counter-blockade" against vessels with Iranian ports as their origin or destination, but is allowing ships not directly connected to Iran to pass through the strait. This limited allowance appears to have led to the partial recovery of logistics flow.
The partial improvement in navigation conditions is also attributed to the U.S. Navy deploying warships as part of freedom of navigation operations while simultaneously conducting mine-clearing operations.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes, is a critical shipping route that has taken a direct hit from this crisis.
Chinese Tanker Makes 'First Passage' Amid Blockade
Some vessels have also been confirmed to have successfully navigated through the blockade.
According to Reuters' analysis of ship tracking data, the Chinese-owned medium-range tanker "Rich Starry" exited the Strait of Hormuz and left Gulf waters. This is considered the first case of a vessel passing through the strait since the U.S. counter-blockade.
The vessel was carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol, having loaded cargo in Hamriyah, UAE, en route to China. The ship had once turned back due to U.S. blockade measures but later resumed its route while transmitting Chinese ownership and crew information.
Rich Starry's owner is Shanghai Xuanlun Shipping, a Chinese company on the U.S. sanctions list with a history of transactions with Iran.
"Recovery Signal vs. Ongoing Instability"... Full Normalization Still Distant
Markets are viewing this resumption of traffic as a meaningful change indicating the strait is moving away from "complete blockade" status. However, the prevailing forecast is that short-term normalization will be difficult given ongoing mine threats and military tensions.
President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran reopen the strait, and the U.S. military is expanding operations to secure maritime safety. Earlier this week, two U.S. Navy warships conducted "freedom of navigation operations" through the strait, interpreted as measures to establish new shipping lanes and encourage the resumption of commercial traffic.
Additionally, U.S. Central Command launched mine-clearing operations in the strait area last weekend to eliminate key risks threatening vessel traffic. The United States is maintaining its blockade targeting Iranian ports while allowing ships not directly connected to Iran to transit the strait, sustaining limited logistics flow.
These changes emerged following U.S. Navy military intervention, and are interpreted as a partial recovery of shipping that had sharply contracted due to Iranian mine threats since the outbreak of war. However, traffic volume remains limited compared to pre-war levels.
The Wall Street Journal assessed the situation as showing "significant improvement in the flow of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments." Nevertheless, considering the possibility of additional Iranian military responses and remaining risks, the dominant view is that considerable time will be needed before full normalization.
