Normal shipping has resumed in the Strait of Hormuz after a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. On Wednesday, the first two commercial vessels successfully passed through the vital waterway, marking a significant step toward restoring global oil and trade routes.
According to maritime tracking data from MarineTraffic, the Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the strait at 08:44 UTC. Earlier, the Liberia-flagged vessel Daytona Beach transited at 06:59 UTC after departing from Bandar Abbas in Iran.
The ships followed an Iranian-approved route near Larak Island. This is the first confirmed transit of international vessels since the ceasefire took effect. The agreement allows safe passage through the strait in coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, through which nearly 20% of global oil passes daily. Its closure during the recent tensions had caused major disruptions, stranding hundreds of ships and raising oil prices worldwide.
The successful passage of these two ships brings relief to the global shipping industry. Shipping companies are now watching closely to see if more vessels will be allowed through in the coming days. However, experts remain cautious and say full confidence will return only when safe transit becomes consistent.
The ceasefire has eased immediate fears, but long-term stability in the region is still uncertain.
