▲ The Strait of Hormuz
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased following the entry into force of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities between the United States and Iran.
According to data released on June 19 (local time) by AXSMarine, a Paris-based maritime data specialist, a total of 25 merchant vessels passed through the strait on the previous day, June 18, following its reopening, AFP reported.
In a press release, AXSMarine stated, "We have confirmed that 25 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on June 18," adding, "This is the highest daily figure since April 18 and is more than five times the daily average recorded during the first 10 days of June."
AXSMarine estimated that the actual number of vessels passing through the strait may be higher, as some ships may have turned off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) while transiting.
According to AXSMarine, an average of only 7.6 ships per day have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of March.
Iran had effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz after the war broke out on February 28 following airstrikes by the United States and Israel.
Iran subsequently opened the strait temporarily, which led to a temporary surge in the number of vessels passing through on April 18.
According to the shipping industry publication Lloyd's List, approximately 120 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily before the war began.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), more than 500 ships remain trapped in the Gulf region, with approximately 11,000 crew members on board the merchant vessels.
It is reported that a total of 20,000 seafarers in the region have been affected by the war.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.