The two-week US–Iran ceasefire has yet to trigger a meaningful rebound in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with container lines and other operators maintaining a cautious stance.
Reports indicate that shipowners are still seeking clarity on safe transit conditions, while vessel movements remain well below typical levels.
Only a limited number of ships have crossed the waterway, including the Malta-flagged Kribi, operated by CMA CGM, marking the first French-linked transit since the conflict began.
Other movements have included a small number of bulk carriers, with at least one vessel reportedly transiting with Iranian approval following the ceasefire announcement.
Container carriers continue to adopt a measured approach. Maersk said the ceasefire could open limited transit opportunities but does not yet provide “full maritime certainty”.
The carrier added that Hormuz transits will remain subject to ongoing risk assessments and official guidance, with alternative routing via regional hubs such as Jeddah, Salalah, Sohar and Khor Fakkan continuing to support cargo flows.
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Similarly, Hapag-Lloyd has cautioned that a return to normal operations will take time, estimating a six- to eight-week recovery period once conditions stabilise.
Around 1,000 vessels are still understood to be held up across the region, including several within its fleet.
Security remains a central concern. Close to 30 maritime incidents involving commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure have been reported during the conflict, underlining ongoing operational risks.
While the ceasefire has reduced the immediate threat of escalation, uncertainty over access and safety persists.
For ports and terminals, this is likely to translate into continued disruption to schedules, feeder networks and landside planning tied to Gulf cargo flows.
