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Oil tanker traffic jumps in Hormuz after U.S. and Iran open sea lane
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- At least 20 oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. and Iran reopened the sea lane to commercial traffic, with Thursday's tanker crossings reaching the highest level since June 2.
- Overall vessel traffic on Thursday included 25 ships, such as cargo and container vessels, reflecting increased activity after the U.S. Navy ended its blockade and Iran allowed toll-free crossings for 60 days.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Iran is honoring its commitment to keep the sea lane open, with traffic balanced between westbound and eastbound crossings.
- Several supertankers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran were observed crossing Hormuz, indicating a gradual return to normal crude oil trade patterns in the region.
- Most ships followed Iran’s designated route through the strait, while only one used the International Maritime Organization’s route, and six vessels’ routes were unconfirmed.
