Ships Navigate Strait of Hormuz Following Ceasefire Agreement

Maritime monitor Marine Traffic reported on Wednesday that two ships have transited the Strait of Hormuz, indicating a possible reopening of the passage subsequent to Iran's agreement to a ceasefire.

According to MarineTraffic, the Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth passed through the strait at 08:44 UTC. Earlier, at 06:59 UTC, the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach also made the passage shortly after departing Bandar Abbas.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Wednesday that the United States and Iran had reached a two-week ceasefire agreement. Under this deal, passage through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be facilitated through coordination with Iran's Armed Forces.

Ana Subasic, an analyst with Kpler, the owner of MarineTraffic, commented to AFP that while the NJ Earth's transit could be an initial sign of resumed activity, it is premature to determine if this signifies a broader ceasefire- driven reopening or a pre-approved exception.

The Greek-owned vessel maintained its transponder signal during its passage, utilizing a route near Larak Island that Iran has facilitated for most vessels over the past three weeks.

AFP has not yet been able to independently verify the ship's ultimate destination.

"While we anticipate increased crossings in the coming days, from a risk and compliance standpoint, this initial transit should be viewed cautiously," Subasic added.

Shipping journal Lloyd's List reported on Wednesday morning that some shipowners and charterers are making preparations to move vessels that have been held up in the Persian Gulf. The journal estimates that approximately 800 ships are currently stranded in the region.

Access to the Strait had been significantly restricted by Iran in response to United States and Israeli actions that commenced on February 28. Data from Kpler indicates that between March 1 and April 7, there were 307 commodity carrier crossings, representing a 95% reduction compared to normal peacetime traffic levels.

In typical peacetime conditions, roughly one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported through this vital waterway.