First Commercial Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz After US-Iran Ceasefire
Two commercial vessels have become the first to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since a temporary ceasefire was agreed between the United States and Iran.
The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth and the Liberia-flagged tanker Daytona Beach crossed the strategic waterway on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Ship tracking data showed the Daytona Beach moving through at around 06:59 UTC after leaving the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, followed by the NJ Earth at 08:44 UTC. These movements mark an early sign of returning activity in one of the world's most important shipping routes.
The two-week ceasefire was announced late on Tuesday, April 7. It includes a pause in hostilities and arrangements for monitored safe passage of ships to allow time for diplomatic talks. Before the agreement, Iran had placed restrictions on the strait, limiting passage mostly to vessels from friendly countries and requiring special coordination. This had caused a major backlog, with more than 450 ships — including hundreds of oil tankers, gas carriers, and cargo vessels — waiting in the region since late February. The restrictions had led to delays in global oil and gas shipments, pushing up energy prices and shipping costs worldwide.
Although these first crossings bring hope for a return to normal trade, shipping experts say most vessel operators remain cautious. Many companies are waiting for clearer rules on safe passage before sending more ships through the narrow channel, which carries about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The ceasefire is described as fragile, and full reopening of the strait is still under discussion. Observers are watching closely to see whether traffic will increase in the coming days as the truce holds.
