A Liberian-registered vessel and another ship have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran agreed to reopen the channel under a two-week ceasefire arrangement with the United States.
The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Daytona Beach and the Greek-owned NJ Earth were among the earliest vessels to navigate the strait, indicating a gradual and cautious return of maritime activity in one of the world’s most vital energy routes.
Data from MarineTraffic shows that Daytona Beach left Bandar Abbas at 05:28 UTC and crossed the strait at 06:59 UTC, while NJ Earth followed later, passing through at 08:44 UTC.
The Daytona Beach (IMO: 9615054) is a bulk carrier constructed in 2012 by IS Shipyard in Imabari, Japan. Previously named Global Dawn, the vessel now sails under Liberia’s flag and has a gross tonnage of 17,019 tons.
According to Vessel Finder, the ship is heading toward Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, with an expected arrival date of April 9.
Both vessels followed routes sanctioned by Iran, with NJ Earth keeping its transponder active near Larak Island—a route frequently used during the recent three-week period of limited access.
Cautious optimism for maritime traffic
The truce, announced overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, permits ships to pass through the strait “in coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces,” according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a post on X.
Experts warn, however, that these initial crossings should not yet be seen as a full restoration of normal operations. Ana Subasic of Kpler told AFP that while more vessels are expected to follow, the situation should still be approached with caution from a risk and compliance standpoint.
Traffic through the strait has been heavily curtailed since February 28, when Iran responded to attacks by the US and Israel. Between March 1 and April 7, only 307 commodity carriers passed through, marking a 95% drop compared to normal levels, based on Kpler data.
Under usual conditions, roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supply flows through the strait, underscoring its importance to global energy markets.
Shipping companies and charterers are now preparing to mobilize vessels that have been delayed in the Gulf estimated at about 800 ships if the ceasefire remains in place.
The fragile truce is already under pressure after Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting more than 100 locations and causing numerous casualties.
Reports from Iranian media suggest that Tehran could halt or reverse the limited reopening of the strait if tensions escalate further, leaving the outlook for maritime movement uncertain.
The next few days will be crucial in deciding whether this development represents a short-lived pause or the beginning of a more stable resumption of shipping activity.