How many ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz?
How Many Ships Are Crossing the Strait of Hormuz?
Despite the initiation of a US naval blockade, four vessels associated with Iran have traversed the Strait of Hormuz, according to recent ship-tracking data. However, two of these ships have altered their course, as revealed by location information from MarineTraffic. The US-sanctioned tanker Rich Starry, which had departed from Sharjah, UAE, and moved east through the strait overnight, is now heading westward. Similarly, the bulk carrier Christianna, which passed through the waterway after a visit to Bandar Iman Khomeini in Iran, has also reversed direction. Another tanker, the US-sanctioned Elpis, transited the strait on Tuesday, possibly originating from the Iranian port of Bushehr, as noted by MarineTraffic records.
Tracking Data and Blockade Compliance
US Central Command confirmed that six vessels followed orders to turn back, stating that “no ships from Iranian ports made it past the blockade.” Meanwhile, BBC Verify’s analysis identified two Iranian-flagged ships departing near Chahbahar port—located east of the Strait of Hormuz on Iran’s southern coast—after the blockade began. Both the cargo ship Ashkan3 and the container ship Shabdis left the port area on Tuesday and have sailed over 500km out of Iranian waters.
Complicating vessel tracking is the possibility of location signal manipulation or incomplete data submission. This has led to uncertainty about the exact number of ships involved. Tracking data suggests at least four additional vessels without clear ties to Iran have crossed the strait since the blockade commenced on Monday.
Global Economic Impact and Strategic Concerns
The disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has sent ripples across the global economy, affecting energy prices and highlighting the critical role of this waterway in international supply chains. Jakob Larsen of the Baltic and International Maritime Council expressed concerns about the “risk of further escalation to involve direct attacks on ships” following the US blockade’s implementation.
“You’ve had nearly 800 ships stuck in there for several weeks. Most of them are now loaded with cargo so the priority is going to be to get them out,”
Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, emphasized the urgency of freeing stranded tankers. BBC Verify’s analysis also noted that ships passing the strait have taken a more northern route, staying close to Iran’s coastline and within its territorial waters, unlike the usual southern path through the center of the channel.
Sea Mines and Safety Measures
Thomas Kazakos of the International Chamber of Shipping highlighted the uncertainty posed by sea mines. “We need to make sure that we have clear confirmation that the safety of navigation for the ships and the seafarers are being agreed,” he told BBC Verify. The IRGC Navy has outlined permitted routes to avoid potential collisions with sea mines, designating a central region as a “dangerous area.” US Central Command has deployed two destroyers, the USS Frank E Petersen and USS Michael Murphy, to clear this area.