After the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war between the United States and Iran took effect, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed and ship movements are increasing. On the 18th alone, 25 merchant ships were counted passing through the strait.
AFP said, "According to data released on the 19th (local time) by the French shipping data corporations AXSMarine, a total of 25 merchant ships passed through the strait the previous day after the Strait of Hormuz reopened."
AXSMarine issued a press release and said, "The number of vessels confirmed to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the 18th is 25." It is the highest daily figure since Apr. 18. According to AXSMarine, since early March, an average of only 7.6 vessels per day have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war broke out, about 120 vessels per day passed through the strait.
AXSMarine added, "Some vessels may have turned off their automatic identification system (AIS) when passing through the strait, so the actual number of ships transiting the strait is likely higher."
After the war between the United States and Israel broke out on Feb. 28, Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), more than 500 ships and 11,000 seafarers are still in the Strait of Hormuz.