Shippers Seek Clarity on Hormuz Reopening After US-Iran Ceasefire

Shippers and refiners are seeking clarity on the logistics of reopening the Strait of Hormuz following a two-week ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to multiple reports.

The ceasefire was announced by President Donald Trump, who stated that the U.S. would assist with clearing the traffic build-up in the strait. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, said Tehran would provide safe passage if attacks against it ceased, coordinating with its armed forces and considering technical limitations.

As of Tuesday, ship tracker Kpler reported 187 laden tankers carrying 172 million barrels of crude oil and refined products were afloat inside the strait. With more than 1,000 ocean-going vessels trapped within the Gulf, clearing the backlog would likely take over two weeks even under normal conditions.

Daejin Lee, global head of research at Fertmax FZCO, noted that a 14-day window is insufficient to restore confidence for Arabian Gulf loading routes. Many blue-chip shipowners are expected to wait several days before committing vessels to ensure the ceasefire holds. Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at shipping association Bimco, emphasized the need for technical details from the U.S. and Iran before advising ships to leave.

Inquiries for very large crude carriers to load Middle East crude for Asia surged on Wednesday, with Asian refiners including Reliance Industries, Indian Oil Corp, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical, CNOOC, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, Glencore, and TotalEnergies looking for vessels. Indonesian authorities are working with Iran to secure the passage of two stranded Pertamina vessels.