Shipping Continues Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Iran's Closure Warning

Data from Lloyd's List Intelligence revealed that ships continued to enter and exit the Gulf region via the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, despite Iran's declaration to close this crucial maritime passage.

Lloyd's List reported on the X platform that tracking data indicated ongoing navigation with vessels operating their automatic identification systems along the northern route, as well as the southern route for the first time in weeks. Additionally, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced an increase in commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, with US forces maintaining their presence in the area to support freedom of navigation.

CENTCOM stated in a release that safe passage through the international waterway remained in effect on Saturday, with 55 commercial vessels transiting the strait, carrying substantial cargo loads and more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.

These figures suggest that Tehran's announcement to close the strait has not yet resulted in a complete halt to maritime movement.

Shipping activity through Hormuz had already begun to improve following a US-Iran agreement to cease hostilities, though the recovery remains cautious. On June 18, commercial transits reached 25 voyages, marking the highest daily level since April 18 and more than five times the daily average during the first ten days of June. However, this figure remains far below the pre-war average of approximately 120 daily transits, according to data cited by Reuters.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world's most critical energy corridors, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Its disruption during the conflict paralyzed a significant portion of Gulf exports and compelled producers, including Iraq, to reduce output due to full storage facilities and difficulties in tanker access to export terminals.