Last Updated on April 10, 2026 9:17 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN/ WEB DESK
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted despite a two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington that began on April 8, with shipping activity still far below normal levels. Industry estimates indicate traffic has dropped by nearly 95% compared to pre-crisis levels, with only a limited number of vessels moving under tight Iranian supervision. Most ships currently transiting are Iranian-linked, part of the so-called dark fleet, or flying flags of countries Tehran considers non-hostile, including Russia and China.
Shipping sources say vessels that are allowed to move are being routed through a narrow northern corridor along the Iranian coastline, under monitoring by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, rather than using standard international shipping lanes. Meanwhile, more than 800 Heavy Commercial vessels remain stranded west of the strait, War-risk insurance premiums remain elevated, and major shipping companies are continuing to delay resumption of regular operations. Shipping companies also face legal and financial risks, as paying transit fees could potentially conflict with sanctions, while sailing without insurance exposes operators to significant losses.
Despite the ceasefire, tankers from the GCC countries are still facing major obstacles. Iran has introduced selective passage rules and transit charges that could reach up to two million dollars per vessel. Some payments are reportedly being requested in Chinese yuan, as Tehran seeks to bypass sanctions-linked banking restrictions. Ships must also seek advance permission, undergo political vetting and follow designated routes monitored by Iranian authorities. The International Maritime Organization says the current pause may allow a humanitarian window between April 11 and April 14 to evacuate nearly 20,000 seafarers stranded. Beyond operational restrictions, Iran is also imposing strict conditions for vessels considered friendly or neutral.