Strait of hormuz: Vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz rebounded sharply after the lifting of the blockade, but recovery in one of the world’s key energy chokepoints remains fragile.

According to Anadolu Agency, MarineTraffic reported on the social media platform X that it recorded 71 confirmed transits through the Strait of Hormuz between June 19 and 21, with crossings peaking at 35 on June 20. The pickup follows renewed signals around free passage through the waterway, and more vessels are transiting with their Automatic Identification System, or AIS, active, indicating a gradual improvement in operator confidence.

However, traffic has not fully normalized. MarineTraffic noted that activity remains below pre-crisis levels, with many ships continuing to use Iranian route patterns or so-called dark routes, in which vessels limit or switch off AIS visibility due to security concerns.

The Strait of Hormuz is central to global energy trade. Oil flows through the waterway averaged 20 million barrels per day in 2024, equal to about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, according to the US Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency. The recent rise in crossings follows a sharp disruption in Gulf shipping caused by the blockade and heightened regional tensions.

Despite easing restrictions that have allowed more vessels to resume passage, diplomatic uncertainty continues to weigh on shipowners, insurers, and charterers. Demining efforts remain incomplete, leaving operators cautious about returning fully to normal route patterns.

The fragile rebound highlights the importance of sustained safe-passage guarantees for Gulf energy exports, as any renewed disruption would directly affect crude oil, refined products, and LNG flows, particularly to Asian importers.