Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has shown signs of recovery after weeks of disruption triggered by the Iran conflict, according to fresh data from maritime tracking firm Kpler.

A total of 55 commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway between May 11 and May 17, a sharp rise from just 19 vessels recorded the previous week, the lowest level since the conflict began in late February. The latest figures bring activity back in line with wartime averages, suggesting a partial stabilisation in one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.

Shipping rebounds after steep decline

The previous week's figure of 19 vessels marked a major slowdown after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered regional tensions and severe disruptions to maritime movement. The Strait of Hormuz, which normally handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, quickly emerged as a key flashpoint in the conflict.

Since March 1, Kpler has recorded 663 commodity vessels transiting through the strait, averaging around 55 vessels per week.

Iranian state media reported that the Revolutionary Guards recently eased transit restrictions, saying more than 30 ships were permitted to pass through the waterway in a single day earlier this week. However, Tehran has repeatedly indicated that shipping activity is unlikely to fully return to pre-conflict levels.

Mix of cargo vessels returns to key route

According to Kpler data, around half of last week's traffic involved liquid cargo carriers. The vessels included three very large crude carriers reportedly heading toward China, Oman and Japan.

The data also recorded:

15 dry bulk commodity vessels

16 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers

One liquefied natural gas tanker carrying Qatari gas to Pakistan

The LNG vessel crossed the strait on May 12, taking the total number of LNG tanker transits since the conflict began to eight.

China-linked traffic remains limited

Kpler data showed only a small number of China-linked ships crossing the waterway last week. Three vessels connected to China through ownership, cargo or registration were identified, while two Hong Kong-flagged ships were also tracked heading toward Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Analysts caution that shipping records may not fully reflect actual destinations, as vessels often withhold final port details while in transit. China and India have remained among the most frequently identified non-Gulf destinations for ships passing through the strait since the conflict began.

New oversight measures add uncertainty

Iran has also moved to tighten control over maritime operations in the strait by establishing a new body to oversee transit and levy charges on passing vessels. The move comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains central to broader geopolitical tensions and stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

While the recent rise in vessel movement may ease immediate concerns around energy supply and shipping bottlenecks, analysts warn that any renewed escalation could quickly disrupt traffic again and trigger fresh volatility across global markets.

Source: Moneycontrol 

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