More ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade…

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor for oil and gas exports, has shown signs of increased vessel movement in recent days, despite ongoing military tensions and a US naval blockade against Iranian ports.

Maritime tracking data and reports indicate that increasing numbers of commercial vessels continued to transit the narrow waterway, which had seen a dramatic decline in activity at the start of the conflict.

On April 16, data compiled by monitoring firm Marine Insight showed more than 20 ships transited the strait in a 24-hour period during the blockage, although some ships were ordered to turn back or change course.

The United States announced a naval blockade and allowed “zero ships” to enter and exit Iranian ports as of 6pm Monday (April 13, 2026, 6pm Gulf time).

The blockade was ordered by US President Donald Trump after talks with Iran in Pakistan failed to make progress and Iran maintained the threat of closing Hormuz as part of its influence.

On Thursday (April 16), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine announced the “expansion” of the blockade to pursue and intercept Iran-linked vessels globally, including “dark fleet” tankers in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, regardless of nationality.

The move follows stalled ceasefire talks, with Trump claiming Iran has agreed to hand over enriched uranium – amid rising US oil prices.

■ Who is free to cross the blockade?

US Central Command (CENTCOM), however, has clarified that ships sailing to and from non-Iranian destinations remain free to pass through the strategic waterway.

Tracking data from Reuters found that at least eight merchant ships – including three Iran-linked oil tankers – made transit attempts in the days after the US announced the blockade.

Independent counts have reported that 279 ships have passed through the strait since hostilities began in late February, although the total includes a period of heavily reduced traffic due to security risks.

Most of the recent crossings appear to involve ships bound for or departing from non-Iranian ports, in line with US Central Command statements that the blockade does not prevent vessels not linked to Iranian trade.

Some shipping analysts have also noted changes in ship routes, with vessels using designated corridors along Iranian and Omani coasts amid security concerns and alternative transit advisories.

The Wall Street Journal, citing two U.S. officials, reported that more than 20 ships passed through the strait in the past 24 hours, some stopping.

Kpler data confirmed that at least three ships transited after the blockage, including the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Christianna, which unloaded cargo at Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini and passed near Larak Island shortly after the restrictions.

Despite the increase, overall traffic remains well below peacetime levels.

Before the war, approximately 100 or more commercial ships per day passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict escalated.

The continued transit, however, reflects resilient trade efforts to maintain critical supply chains even as geopolitical tensions persist in the region.

“The Strait of Hormuz has never been closed or restricted by Iran,” he said. “Any attempt to do so is not a regional issue; it is the severing of a global economic lifeline and a direct threat to every nation’s energy, food and health security.”

He described the situation as illegal and dangerous, warning that setting such a precedent would have global consequences.

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“The world simply cannot and should not allow it.”

The data shared reflects a system under pressure, with shipping flows slowing and ships unable to clear the corridor at a normal rate.

Days earlier, in a detailed LinkedIn post published on Thursday, Al Jaber had already warned that cross-Strait access would be restricted in ways that went beyond conventional disruptions.

“This moment requires clarity. Let us therefore be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is not open,” he said.

“Access is limited, conditioned and controlled.”

He argued that such conditions effectively shift the nature of the transition from open transit to controlled access, raising concerns about the integrity of global shipping lanes.

“Conditional passing is not passing. It is control by another name.”

Thursday’s remarks also highlighted a growing disconnect between market expectations and physical supply.

Cargoes moved before the escalation are now arriving at their destinations, while new shipments remain delayed, creating a visible gap in energy flows.

“This is where the stock markets are meeting physical reality, and the 40-day gap in global energy flows is truly exposed,” he said.

An estimated 230 ships are still loaded with oil and ready to sail, awaiting safe passage through the Strait.

Growing pressure on global supply chains
Given that around 20% of global energy flows pass through the Strait, any prolonged restriction directly fuels supply constraints and price pressure.

“Every day the Strait remains restricted, the consequences get worse. Supply is delayed, markets tighten, prices rise,” he said.

The impact extends beyond energy markets, with potential ripple effects on food systems, production and household costs around the world.

Asia remains particularly exposed, with around 80% of cross-Strait shipments heading to the region.

“The immediate priority is clear: close this gap. Restore more than 20% of globally traded energy flowing through this corridor,” he said.

He added that energy producers, including ADNOC, are preparing to restore production and shipments within operational limits, prioritizing safety.

He said: “Energy security and global economic stability depend on it.”

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