Iran's Hormuz blockade leaves 2,190 ships trapped in Gulf
Among the vessels unable to proceed were 12 very large gas carriers and 50 very large crude carriers.
More than 320 oil and gas tankers were among roughly 2,190 commercial vessels left stranded in the Arabian Gulf on Wednesday (1 April) by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to updated maritime data.
Movement through the critical passage has been minimal and strictly regulated, reports Arab News.
Among the vessels unable to proceed were 12 very large gas carriers and 50 very large crude carriers.
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Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed that only six ships managed to pass through the strait between Tuesday and Wednesday, far below the typical peacetime flow of about 120 vessels per day.
Those ships that have successfully transited were directed through a designated route authorized by Iran near Larak Island along its coastline.
According to Lloyd's List, at least 48 vessels have used this channel since last week, most of them connected to Iran or nations maintaining positive relations with Tehran.
Iran has effectively tightened control over the strait, normally responsible for around 20% of global oil and gas shipments, following attacks by the United States and Israel on 28 February.
Shipowners granted permission to pass have reportedly been charged fees reaching up to $2 million, a practice nicknamed the "Tehran toll booth."
However, Iranian officials have suggested these fees could be waived for ships from allied countries such as Malaysia.
Authorities in Malaysia reported that multiple tankers operated by companies including Petronas, Sapura Energy, and MISC are currently waiting for approval to proceed.
Tehran has assured Kuala Lumpur that Malaysian vessels will not be subject to transit fees due to strong diplomatic ties, though officials warned delays are likely because of the backlog of ships awaiting clearance.
China stated that at least three of its ships recently navigated the strait after coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Tracking data indicated that two container vessels exited the Gulf on their second attempt, traveling close together at high speed.
Analysts noted these were the first non-Iranian container ships to leave the area since the conflict began.
A limited number of additional vessels have also made their way out, including a tanker operated by a Greek company transporting Saudi crude to India, as well as several Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers carrying essential cargo.
Maritime sources said some crews have taken precautionary steps such as traveling under cover of darkness or turning off tracking systems to minimize risks from mines, missiles, and drones.
Even with these isolated movements, exports from major energy producers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are largely stalled, leaving hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 crew members stranded in and around the Gulf.
In Pakistan, one oil-carrying vessel successfully docked at the southern port of Karachi on Wednesday after passing through the strait, while another shipment arrived via an alternate route.
Officials indicated that additional deliveries are anticipated in the weeks ahead.
The situation has sparked intensified diplomatic activity worldwide.
The United Kingdom is preparing to host discussions involving about 35 countries to address the disruption to maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, China and Pakistan have jointly appealed for an immediate ceasefire and called on all sides to guarantee the safe movement of commercial vessels.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump renewed his call for Iran to end the blockade, cautioning that failure to do so could result in significant military consequences from Washington.
