Following the formal implementation of a temporary ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, shipping through the closely watched Strait of Hormuz has finally seen a breakthrough after nearly six weeks of blockade. Vessel tracking data shows that on April 11 local time, three very large crude carriers (VLCCs) fully loaded with oil successfully departed the Persian Gulf. This marks a significant rebound in daily traffic volume since late February, when geopolitical conflict brought waterway transport to a near standstill.

Chinese-flagged tankers accounted for the majority of the fleet in this transit. One vessel carrying Iraqi Basra crude is expected to arrive at Zhoushan Port in early May, while another large Chinese tanker carrying Saudi crude follows closely behind; both ships were chartered by trading companies under Sinopec. Additionally, a Greek-operated tanker chartered by Thailand's National Petroleum Company, carrying Saudi and UAE crude, is scheduled to arrive at Malacca Port in Malaysia in late April. Statistics show that each of these three super tankers has a capacity of around 2 million barrels, transporting a total of approximately 6 million barrels of crude oil. They are the first batch of non-Iranian tankers to successfully export since the outbreak of the conflict. Reports also indicate that another Chinese tanker was on standby in nearby waters and may join the subsequent navigation sequence at any time.

Notably, the navigation path this time was not the customary international channel used in the past. Tracking trajectories show that the fleet chose a northbound route through Iranian waters, proceeding along the coastlines of Qeshm Island and Larak Island, avoiding the southern shore of the strait near UAE and Omani waters. Previously, Iranian officials had clearly stated that passing vessels must obtain permission and accept military coordination to transit. Although there is a possibility of ship signal interference, multi-party analysis believes the movement trajectory is highly authentic.

Although the smooth passage of the three tankers marks a loosening of the blockade, restoring normal shipping in the strait still faces huge challenges. Industry analysis points out that even after the ceasefire took effect, current traffic volume in the strait remains significantly lower than during peacetime, with about 90% of capacity yet to be recovered. According to estimates from the shipping industry, approximately 800 vessels of various types remain stranded within the Persian Gulf, including a large number of medium and large cargo ships and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. The US-Iran situation remains sensitive. Although both sides are about to commence peace talks in Islamabad, some terms of the previously reached ceasefire have already been violated, and the prospects for subsequent negotiations remain unclear. For Asian markets reliant on Middle Eastern energy, the breakthrough by Chinese tankers releases a positive signal, but the complete clearing of the supply chain still awaits a more solid peace agreement reached by both parties at the negotiating table.