More than 400 large vessels wait outside the Strait of Hormuz as tensions persist
According to Huo Xing Finance, monitoring based on shipping and satellite data shows that as of June 22, more than 400 large vessels are still holding position outside the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring continued uncertainty around one of the world's most important crude-oil shipping corridors. Even after the U.S. eased some restrictions and a small number of commercial ships cautiously resumed passage, traffic through the strait remains heavily constrained.
European Space Agency Sentinel1 radar imagery indicates that by around 14:15 GMT on Sunday, 441 large ships roughly the size of oil tankers were clustered near Sohar, Oman, and Fujairah in the UAE, up from levels seen in the early phase of the April conflict. Shipping companies say the concentration reflects a forward-positioning strategy to restart operations quickly once the strait fully reopens, though transit remains limited as U.S.-Iran talks on a ceasefire and shipping rules have yet to be resolved.
Satellite readings also pointed to near standstill conditions in the main shipping lane on Sunday. This followed Iran's earlier commitment to open the waterway and clear mines, and a later announcement of a phased closure amid renewed regional friction. U.S. and Iranian officials continue discussions in Switzerland on a "de-escalation mechanism" and maritime safety arrangements. Washington said key items include keeping the strait reliably open and clarifying navigation-related terms.
On the activity front, four Qatari LNG carriers transited the strait on Monday, the highest daily number since the conflict escalated in late February. Some vessels have also switched their AIS transponders back on and disclosed positions, a move widely viewed as a sign of slightly improved risk sentiment. After the U.S. last week lifted certain restrictions involving Iranian ports and vessels, Iranian oil-tanker movements have partially resumed, but overall shipping remains highly uncertain and operational efficiency is still subdued.
