Hormuz traffic rebounds as supertankers return to the Persian Gulf

July 1 ------ Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz showed signs of recovery on 29 June, with more crude tankers and commodity carriers transiting the waterway after several days of disruption triggered by recent security incidents.

According to vessel tracking data from Kpler, around 24 commodity vessels, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, as well as bulk carriers—passed through the strait in both directions. The increase marks the first notable rise in traffic since Iran’s recent attacks on shipping, which had prompted many operators to delay or reconsider transits.

As reported by Bloomberg, private tanker operators accounted for most of the inbound traffic into the Persian Gulf, while a Saudi Arabian-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) also returned to the region after reportedly transiting the strait with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder switched off. Collectively, the inbound crude tankers have the capacity to carry up to 9 million barrels of oil, suggesting a gradual return of confidence among shipowners navigating the waterway.

Among the vessels entering the Gulf were three empty VLCCs operated by South Korea’s Sinokor, which maintained AIS transmissions while sailing along Oman’s coastline before entering the strait. Furthermore, a Marshall Islands-flagged Suezmax tanker managed by a Greek operator also reportedly appeared inside the Gulf after previously broadcasting its position in the Gulf of Oman on 27 June, indicating it may have crossed the strait without transmitting AIS signals.

The Nisalah, a VLCC operated by Saudi Arabia’s Bahri (National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia), also completed an inbound transit and is currently positioned off Ras Tanura, the Kingdom’s primary oil export terminal and home to one of the world’s largest refineries.

The rebound in vessel movements comes after Iran and the United States agreed to pause recent hostilities in the Gulf and resume diplomatic talks aimed at easing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic initiative follows several days of military exchanges that began after an Iranian projectile struck a cargo vessel in the waterway. Both Washington and Tehran subsequently accused each other of breaching an interim ceasefire.

Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its emergency evacuation framework for the Strait of Hormuz in response to the situation. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the framework will remain suspended until credible safety assurances are in place, underscoring the continued risks facing commercial shipping despite the recent increase in traffic.

Source: safety4sea.com