A small number of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a modest increase in shipping activity through one of the world's most important energy chokepoints after nearly three months of disruption caused by the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Shipping data showed that two LNG tankers carrying cargoes from Qatar were moving through the strait on Monday, while a supertanker loaded with Iraqi crude oil had already left the Gulf and was headed toward China, according to Reuters. The movements come as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue in parallel with negotiations over reopening the waterway.
Before the conflict erupted on Feb. 28, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies and saw between 125 and 140 vessel passages each day. Since the outbreak of war, maritime traffic has fallen dramatically as Iran imposed restrictions and many ships became stranded in the Gulf.
Among the vessels making the crossing was the LNG tanker Fuwairit, owned by Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, which is expected to deliver its cargo to Pakistan after loading at Qatar's Ras Laffan export terminal. Another LNG tanker, Al Rayyan, also loaded in Qatar and is heading toward China, according to shipping data cited by The Straits Times.
A third vessel, the Al Hamra, managed by the United Arab Emirates' ADNOC Logistics & Services, also reappeared in tracking data and was located off India's coast after departing the Gulf. Meanwhile, the very large crude carrier Eagle Verona, carrying Iraqi Basrah crude destined for Chinese refiner Sinopec, successfully exited the strait after being delayed for weeks by the conflict, Reuters reported.
The latest departures add to a gradual increase in tanker movements that began earlier this month. Reuters reported on May 20 that several supertankers carrying crude oil to China, South Korea and other Asian destinations had managed to transit the strait despite ongoing security concerns.
While shipping activity has increased slightly, vessel traffic remains far below normal levels. Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded aboard hundreds of vessels in the Gulf as restrictions, rerouting requirements and security risks continue to limit operations.
The tanker movements coincided with renewed optimism surrounding diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. Investors reacted positively to reports of progress in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and restoring commercial access to the strait. Global stock markets rose while oil prices fell as traders weighed the possibility of a broader agreement, Reuters reported.
The reopening of shipping lanes has become a central issue in the negotiations. Earlier reports from Reuters noted that the United States and China had both emphasized the importance of maintaining free passage through the strait, while regional governments have been exploring alternative energy supply routes to reduce dependence on the waterway.
