Shipowners are seeking urgent clarification on the terms of a newly declared ceasefire between Iran and the United States that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as more than 800 vessels remain stranded following weeks of disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

The partial shutdown of the strait, triggered by escalating conflict after US and Israeli strikes, has severely constrained maritime traffic through the narrow passage that connects the Arabian Gulf to global markets. Iran subsequently tightened its control over the waterway, leading to a near-total halt in shipping activity as security risks mounted.

Shipowners and operators have kept vessels anchored on both sides of the strait amid repeated attacks and the absence of guarantees for crew safety. The disruption has left a significant portion of the global tanker fleet immobilized, intensifying concerns over energy supply chains and freight logistics.

A ceasefire agreement announced shortly before a deadline set by Donald Trump has raised expectations of a temporary reopening. However, conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran have left critical operational details unresolved.

Iranian authorities have indicated that safe passage will be permitted for a period of two weeks, coordinated with their armed forces and subject to what they described as “technical restrictions.” In contrast, Trump characterized the agreement as enabling a “full, immediate, and safe opening” of the waterway. It remains unclear whether both sides have agreed on transit conditions, including any fees or procedural requirements imposed by Tehran.

The lack of clarity has prompted a cautious response across the shipping industry. The Japan Shipowners’ Association said it would first verify the terms of the agreement before advising its members on resuming operations. Industry participants broadly indicated that vessels would not begin moving until security assurances are substantiated.

Even under favorable conditions, analysts say restoring normal traffic flows will take time. In typical circumstances, approximately 135 ships transit the Strait of Hormuz each day, but volumes have fallen sharply during the crisis. Restarting operations involves coordination among shipowners, insurers, port authorities, and naval forces, all of whom must reassess risk levels before authorizing movement.

Jennifer Parker, an assistant professor at the Defense and Security Institute at the University of Western Australia, said the process cannot be immediate. She noted that stakeholders require evidence of sustained de-escalation rather than a temporary pause in hostilities before committing vessels and crews to transit.

Data from Kpler indicates that energy shipments account for a large share of the stranded fleet. Currently, 426 crude oil and refined fuel tankers are waiting in Gulf waters, along with 34 liquefied petroleum gas carriers and 19 liquefied natural gas vessels. Additional ships carrying dry bulk commodities and containerized cargo are also affected, reflecting the impact on multiple sectors of global trade.

The الأزمة has also created significant humanitarian concerns for maritime workers. According to the International Maritime Organization, around 20,000 civilian sailors are stranded aboard vessels in the region, including support and service ships. The agency has warned of mounting challenges related to supply shortages, fatigue, and psychological stress among crews who have been unable to disembark or proceed with their voyages.

For shipowners, the immediate priority remains clarity on operational protocols under the ceasefire framework. Questions persist over navigation corridors, coordination mechanisms with Iranian forces, insurance coverage, and liability in the event of renewed hostilities.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of global oil shipments, making its accessibility central to energy market stability. Any prolonged disruption has direct implications for supply flows and price volatility, amplifying the importance of a clear and enforceable agreement.

While the ceasefire has introduced a potential pathway to easing the crisis, the absence of detailed, mutually verified terms continues to delay decision-making across the shipping industry, leaving hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers in a state of prolonged uncertainty.