Normal shipping will not resume in strait of Hormuz until 80 mines cleared

Normal Shipping in Hormuz Strait Remains Disrupted Amid Ongoing Minefield Challenges

Normal shipping will not resume in strait - As of June 19, 2026, the central region of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical obstacle for maritime traffic, with approximately 80 mines deployed in the area. These mines, according to the Independent Tanker Owners Association (Intertanko), must be cleared before normal commercial shipping can fully resume. While some vessels have begun navigating the strait on Thursday, the route is still fraught with risks, and the industry anticipates a prolonged recovery period even if the ceasefire holds.

The Strategic Importance of the Strait and Immediate Challenges

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint, has seen its usual flow of traffic disrupted. Before the conflict, around 130 ships traversed the strait daily, facilitating 20% of global oil exports. Now, with the central channel blocked, the volume of traffic has been significantly reduced. “The main route … through the middle of the strait of Hormuz, that’s closed, that’s dangerous,” stated Phil Belcher, marine director at Intertanko. He emphasized that the minefield poses a major threat to navigation, requiring extensive efforts to clear.

Iran's Mine Deployment and the Ceasefire Agreement

During the conflict, Iran strategically laid mines within the traffic separation scheme—a designated route between Iran and Oman that has existed since 1968. This maneuver aimed to restrict the movement of tankers and other ships, creating a bottleneck in the region. The latest agreement between the U.S. and Iran, signed recently, has allowed some vessels to exit the Gulf, but the mines remain a persistent issue. Belcher noted, “The latest figure we had was that there’s 80 mines in the strait of Hormuz. It’s an enormous amount and it’s going to take some time to clear.”

Seafarers Trapped and Unconventional Routes

Approximately 20,000 seafarers are stranded on either side of the strait, unable to proceed with their usual routes. Some ships have managed to navigate through the Omani coast at night, using stealth tactics such as disabling their transmitters and relying on U.S. support. Others have opted for an alternative arrangement known as “Tehran’s tollbooth,” paying fees to pass through Iranian waters. This has created a precarious balance, with vessels forced to take less optimal paths to avoid the minefield.

Risks of Navigational Hazards and Signal Jamming

The shipping industry faces multiple challenges beyond the minefield. Belcher highlighted the increased navigational risks, particularly the danger of grounding on rocks, which are closer to the Omani route. With a high concentration of ships attempting to pass through the narrow strait, the potential for collisions has risen. This risk is compounded by Iran’s reported use of signal jamming, a technique that interferes with electronic systems, leaving ships effectively sailing blind. Such disruptions could further strain global supply chains, reminiscent of the 2021 Suez Canal blockage caused by the Ever Given container ship.

Global Trade and the Economic Ripple Effect

As the world’s energy lifeline, the Strait of Hormuz plays a pivotal role in global trade. The current situation has created uncertainty for industries reliant on oil shipments, with delays and detours impacting delivery schedules. The association’s concerns underscore the fragility of the region’s maritime infrastructure. “This is like a highway where the road in the middle is closed and you are using the hard shoulder,” Belcher explained. “We need to get the highway open so we can get the volume of traffic through safely.” The industry fears that prolonged disruptions could lead to increased costs and supply shortages, affecting economies worldwide.

International Law and the Tollbooth Controversy

A key concern for the shipping community is the potential introduction of a toll system by Iran. Under the terms of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the country is obligated to provide free passage for commercial vessels for at least 60 days, with full traffic restoration within 30 days. However, Tehran has indicated plans to impose fees after this period, citing the need to cover operational costs. The German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd has criticized this move, calling it “fundamentally wrong” to charge vessels for crossing international waters. “Tolls for infrastructure such as the Suez or Panama canals are different, as they reflect major infrastructure investments,” a company spokesperson clarified. “That’s not the case in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Broader Implications for Maritime Trade Routes

Industry leaders worry that Iran’s toll policy could set a precedent for other strategic waterways, such as the Strait of Malacca and the Taiwan Strait. These passages, bordered by multiple nations, are crucial for global trade, with the Strait of Malacca connecting key economies in Southeast Asia and the Taiwan Strait playing a vital role in East Asian logistics. Richard Meade, editor-in-chief at Lloyd’s List, warned that the current situation represents a shift into uncharted territory. “We are in uncharted territory. I don’t think [shipping in the strait] is getting back to normal this year,” he said. The ongoing backlog of nearly 600 vessels anchored in the Gulf since February adds to the pressure, with experts predicting a slow return to pre-conflict levels of activity.

Historical Context and the Strait’s Strategic Role

The Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point for geopolitical tensions, with its strategic location making it a target for both military and economic maneuvering. The 1968 traffic separation scheme was established to streamline navigation, but its use by Iran during the conflict has transformed it into a battlefield. The mines, deployed in the strait’s central artery, have not only slowed traffic but also forced ships to reroute, increasing the risk of accidents. Belcher’s remarks reflect the industry’s frustration, as they grapple with the dual challenges of clearing mines and adapting to new operational constraints.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Shipping companies are closely monitoring the situation, with some expressing apprehension about the long-term implications of the minefield and potential tolls. The industry’s reliance on the strait for efficient transport highlights the urgency of restoring its full capacity. Meanwhile, the partial recovery of traffic through the Omani route has provided temporary relief but has not resolved the core issue. As the world waits for the mines to be removed and the toll policy to be finalized, the Strait of Hormuz remains a symbol of the delicate balance between conflict and commerce in global trade.

With the stakes high and the timeline uncertain, the shipping industry continues to advocate for swift action. The successful clearance of the minefield and the adherence to the ceasefire agreement will be critical in determining whether the strait can regain its former status as a vital artery for international commerce. Until then, vessels will remain on edge, navigating a landscape shaped by both military strategy and economic necessity.