Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased on Monday for the first time since Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels, with approximately 24 commodity ships including oil tankers and LNG carriers transiting in both directions. Data from Kpler shows the trend continued Tuesday as confidence among shipowners gradually returns to this critical waterway for global energy supplies.

Around 11 million barrels of crude capacity returned to the route, led by three empty supertankers from South Korea's Sinokor entering the Persian Gulf on Monday. A fourth vessel reportedly headed to Iraq's Basrah, while a Greek-operated Suezmax entered the gulf for the first time since hostilities began in February, currently idling off Ras Al-Khaimah awaiting orders.

The National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) also resumed movements, with its Nisalah crude tanker transiting inbound to Ras Tanura, home to Saudi Arabia's largest refinery. Bahri previously dispatched four supertankers to the same area last week, signaling renewed commitment to Gulf operations despite ongoing regional tensions.

Vessel crossings had dropped sharply after Thursday's initial attack on a container ship, prompting US retaliatory strikes before both sides agreed to cease hostilities ahead of peace talks. The gradual return of tanker traffic signals improving market confidence, which regional oil producers need to restart output and maintain supply chains to global markets.