After the agreement reached between the US and Iran, it is estimated that it may take several months for ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to return to normal. Before the conflict, an average of 130 ships passed through the strait daily, but on June 15, only 3 commercial ships passed through.
While uncertainty remains about the full reopening of the strait, it is expected that approximately 500 commercial ships waiting in the Gulf will be gradually allowed to pass in the initial phase. This process is not expected to immediately restore maritime traffic in the region to its previous pace.
Priority Given to Loaded Tankers
In the first 10 to 15 days, priority is planned to be given to the passage of 118 loaded tankers waiting in the Gulf. This step is expected to help reduce the congestion caused by the long waiting times.
US President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened on Friday, June 19, and that mines would be cleared as part of the agreement. Although this statement raised expectations for renewed activity in the strait, a return to normal flow is not expected to be completed quickly.
The Strait of Hormuz is critically important for energy transportation in the Gulf. Disruptions in passage extend waiting times for commercial ships and tankers and directly affect maritime traffic in the region.