Iran Allows More Ships Through, Hormuz Strait Tanker Traffic Sees Slight Rise

(London, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, after hitting a new low since the US-Iran conflict, slightly recovered last week to levels near the wartime average. According to data from the shipping tracking firm Kpler, a total of 55 cargo ships passed through the strait between the 11th and 17th. This number is a significant increase compared to the record low of 19 ships in the preceding week. Iranian state television noted on the 14th that it had allowed 'over 30 ships' to pass; the following day, it reported that the Revolutionary Guard had agreed to let more ships through. Despite the increase in vessel traffic, last week's total is not significantly different from the average during the conflict period. Since March 1st, Kpler has recorded 663 cargo ships passing through the strait, with a weekly average of 55. Of the tankers that passed through last week, about half were carrying liquid raw materials, including three very large crude carriers reportedly heading to China, Oman, and Japan, respectively. Kpler data also shows that 15 bulk carriers and 16 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) transporters passed through the strait last week. On May 12th, only one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, en route from Qatar to Pakistan, passed through. Since the war began, a total of 8 such vessels have passed. Iran has repeatedly warned that traffic in the strait 'will not return to its pre-war state.' Meanwhile, Tehran has announced the establishment of a new body to supervise the strait and charge fees to ships, a measure reportedly implemented by Iran since the beginning of the war. Iranian officials stated on the 14th that Chinese ships had been allowed to pass after a slowdown in vessel numbers. According to Kpler data, only three cargo ships with flags, owners, or cargo related to China passed through the strait last week. Two other ships flying the Hong Kong flag also passed through successfully, with destinations in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. However, these figures may not present the complete picture, as ships do not always declare their final destination when transiting. Since the war began, passage through the Strait of Hormuz has varied by flag state. Iran stated on the 10th that countries following US sanctions on Iran would face trouble passing through the strait. Since the conflict erupted, China and India have been the most common non-Persian Gulf destinations or origins among cargo ships passing through the strait. Kpler's list of non-Persian Gulf destinations also includes Brazil, Pakistan, Thailand, and Malaysia; meanwhile, ships destined for Western countries are relatively few. The control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a core issue in negotiations between Iran and the United States, with both sides currently at a stalemate on the issue. (Compiled by: Qu Xiangping)