First non-Iranian tanker transits Strait of Hormuz since ceasefire

The first non-Iranian oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday since a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States was announced, according to the MarineTraffic monitor.

The MSG, a Gabon-flagged oil tanker passed went through the strategic waterway on Thursday loaded with around 7,000 tonnes of Emirati fuel oil, and is headed to Aegis Pipavav, India, according to MarineTraffic.

Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through the waterway in peacetime. But the crucial shipping has not meaningfully reopened since the two-week truce took effect on Wednesday. Just two other tankers — both Iran-flagged — and six bulk carriers have been through the strait since then, according to MarineTraffic owner Kpler.

A dozen other vessels — including another laden oil tanker — appeared on Thursday to be on course to pass through, signalling no real change in daily traffic compared to the week before the ceasefire.

The channel in peacetime sees around 120 daily transits, according to Lloyd's List, a shipping industry intelligence site.

Transit capacity is expected to remain "constrained at maximum 10-15 passages a day if the ceasefire holds," according to Kpler analyst Ana Subasic.

All vessels going through the strait were either coming from or going to Iran, or displayed ties with countries not hostile to Iran.

Access to the strait was severely restricted by Iran after US-Israeli attacks on the country started on February 28.

Of the 315 total crossings by commodity carriers from March 1 to April 8, 202 were by oil and gas tankers, and most were heading east towards the Gulf of Oman.

Agence France-Presse