Iran has communicated with the United Nations maritime authority about establishing something akin to a “toll booth” system in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships are now required to enter Iranian waters and undergo inspections by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Sources indicate that at least two vessels have paid fees to pass through.
Since the onset of hostilities involving Iran, traffic through the strait has decreased by 90%, causing a sharp increase in global oil prices and resulting in significant shortages for Asian countries that rely on shipments via the Strait of Hormuz.
Since March 1, only about 150 vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, have made the passage, according to maritime intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence. This figure barely exceeds the typical daily traffic observed before the conflict. The Iranian terminal on Kharg Island loaded 1.6 million barrels in March, remaining largely consistent with pre-war monthly loading totals, as reported by data and analytics company Kpler. Most clients are small, private refineries in China that disregard U.S. sanctions.
At Least 18 Ships Struck
Of the ships that have managed to pass through in recent weeks, most headed east from the Gulf; Iranian-affiliated vessels accounted for 24% of transits, Greek ships for 18%, and Chinese vessels for 10%, based on ownership or registration. A closer examination reveals that Iranian-linked ships represented 60% of transits in the early phase of the conflict, rising to approximately 90% recently.
About half of the ships turn off their radio identification systems, which indicate their location, before crossing and only reappear in the Gulf of Oman. This caution is understandable given the circumstances. According to the United Nations International Maritime Organization, which monitors maritime security, at least 18 ships have been attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least seven crew members. The organization did not specify which nation was responsible for these attacks.
