How many ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz?
How many ships are crossing the Strait of Hormuz?
Tracking data indicates that four vessels associated with Iran navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite the initiation of a US naval blockade. However, two of these ships have since altered their paths, as revealed by location updates from MarineTraffic. The US-sanctioned tanker *Rich Starry*, which was reported to be transporting cargo, departed Sharjah in the UAE through the strait late into the night but then reversed direction. Similarly, the bulk carrier *Christianna*, which passed through the waterway on Monday after docking at Bandar Iman Khomeini in Iran, has also turned back, according to the tracking service.
The *Elpis* tanker, another US-sanctioned vessel, transited the strait on Tuesday. MarineTraffic data suggests it may have originated from Iran’s Bushehr port and is now stationary on the eastern side of the channel. US Central Command confirmed that six ships adhered to orders to turn around, stating that “no vessels from Iranian ports have proceeded past the blockade.”
The complexity of monitoring ship movements through the strait arises from potential data manipulation. Some ships may be “spoofing” their location signals or submitting incomplete information, complicating assessments. Despite this, tracking data points to at least four additional vessels without clear ties to Iran crossing the strait since the blockade began on Monday.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical battleground in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Tehran’s actions to restrict the passage of ships have disrupted one of the world’s most vital maritime routes. President Donald Trump attributed the blockade to Iran’s “knowingly failing” to reopen the strait, while also warning that the US Navy would “blow to hell” any Iranian aggressors and target ships paying transit fees to Iran.
Global Economic Impact and Concerns
Disruptions to shipping since the conflict began six weeks ago have sent ripples through the global economy, affecting energy markets and highlighting the fragility of international supply chains reliant on the strait’s passage. Jakob Larsen of the Baltic and International Maritime Council expressed worries about the “risk of further escalation involving direct attacks on ships” due to the US blockade.
“You’ve had nearly 800 ships trapped in the strait for several weeks. Most of them are now fully loaded, so the priority will be to free them,” said Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List.
BBC Verify’s analysis reveals that ships crossing the strait have been taking a more northern route, staying close to Iran’s coast and within its territorial waters. Before the conflict, vessels typically followed a southerly path through the central part of the strait. Thomas Kazakos of the International Chamber of Shipping highlighted another uncertainty: the presence of sea mines.
“We need clear confirmation that navigation safety for ships and crews is assured,” Kazakos told BBC Verify.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran has outlined permitted routes to avoid potential collisions with sea mines, marking a central area as “dangerous.” US Central Command has deployed two destroyers, the *USS Frank E Petersen* and *USS Michael Murphy*, to clear “sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.”
As of 14 April, this article has been updated to reflect the latest vessel crossings since the ceasefire breakdown. For further insights, what claims would you like BBC Verify to investigate?
