Strait of Hormuz technically open, but commercial traffic far from normal, says Indian shipowners

The association notes that 14 Indian vessels are currently trapped in the Strait, highlighting the ongoing risk and disruption to India’s oil and LPG shipments.

Anil Devli, chief executive of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association, said that Hormuz is technically open. Vessels are transiting, but for commercial traffic the risks are still immense.

Two US-flagged merchant vessels crossed Hormuz amid the Iranian blockade under escort of US Navy guided-missile destroyers as part of Washington's Project Freedom.

The Marshall Islands-flagged MT Sarv Shakti, carrying 46,313 tonnes of LPG for Indian Oil Corporation and crewed by 18 Indians, crossed the strait and became the first India-linked tanker to make the passage after disruption.

Two Indian-flagged vessels were fired on by IRGC boats: VLCC Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav. An audio captured the Sanmar Herald's radio plea: 'Sepah Navy! You gave clearance—I'm second on your list. You're firing now! Let me turn back!'

Peace talks in Islamabad collapsed on April 13, and the subsequent US naval blockade around Iranian ports followed.

Weeks earlier, a Hong Kong-linked tanker burned after attempting stealth transit—hit and left in flames—with IRGC warnings of mined waters blaring to all traffic.

Before the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late Feb, thousands of vessels passed through the Strait every month.