Tanker convoy passes Strait of Hormuz during brief ceasefire in Iran war

According to available data, on April 18, a convoy of eight tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Some shipowners expressed hope that Tehran would allow them to leave the Persian Gulf during a short ceasefire in the Iran war, Reuters reports.

According to MarineTraffic data, the group — which included one very large crude carrier (VLCC), several oil product and chemical tankers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers — was observed passing through Iranian waters south of Larak Island. Other tankers followed behind them out of the Persian Gulf.

Hundreds of vessels have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since late February, when the United States and Israel began the war against Iran, and Tehran responded by closing the strait, leading to a significant reduction in oil and gas production by all Gulf producers.

After Israel and Lebanon reached a separate US-brokered ceasefire agreement on April 16, Iran reopened the strait, through which, before the war, one-fifth of global oil trade passed.

Some shipowners said they may try to take advantage of the situation and leave the Persian Gulf while the ceasefire remains in effect.

Since April 17, several vessels have been observed approaching the strait and turning back, indicating that passage remains restricted.

Today, Iran has reportedly reasserted military control over the Strait of Hormuz.