REHAAB MEDIA ONLINE

Gulf Apr 08, 2026

Strait of Hormuz reopens as first vessels pass following ceasefire deal

Dubai: The first ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday following a US-Iran ceasefire agreement to unblock the vital waterway, according to marine traffic monitor Marine Traffic.

The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the Strait at 08:44 UTC, while the Liberia-flagged Daytona Beach transited earlier at 06:59 UTC. Hundreds of vessels remain in the region, including 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 LNG vessels, many of which had been stranded.

However, the Norwegian Shipowners' Association said the two-week ceasefire has not brought enough clarity for its members to resume sailings, with CEO Knut Arild Hareide stating that the situation "remains unresolved and unpredictable." Denmark's Maersk also said the ceasefire does not yet provide enough certainty for normal operations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to the Gulf on Wednesday to hold talks with regional leaders to ensure the Strait opens permanently. "Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

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