By Tanmay 
Strait of Hormuz — Hormuz traffic remains severely restricted as the Strait of Hormuz crisis drags into its third month, with U.S. President Donald Trump pausing Project Freedom following a direct attack on a CMA CGM container ship in the vital waterway.
The latest incident and diplomatic moves have kept global oil markets nervous and shipping companies on high alert.
Current Hormuz Traffic Levels
Live tracking data as of May 7 shows Hormuz traffic at just 15-18% of normal. Only about 9-11 vessels transited in the last 24 hours — mostly small general cargo ships — compared to the usual 60+ large vessels per day. Daily throughput is hovering around 1-1.5 million DWT against a pre-crisis average exceeding 10 million.
Hundreds to over 1,600 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, with crews facing prolonged uncertainty. Most major shipping lines continue rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, inflating costs and delaying deliveries. War-risk insurance premiums remain extremely high.
The Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20-21% of global seaborne oil and significant LNG volumes, continues to disrupt energy supplies to Asia and beyond.
Trump Pauses Project Freedom for Iran Deal Talks
President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in Project Freedom, the U.S. military operation launched on May 4 to guide stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited “great progress” toward a possible comprehensive agreement with Iran.
The short-lived operation saw limited success, with a small number of vessels — including U.S.-flagged ships — making the transit under naval protection. However, it triggered Iranian responses, including attacks that led to U.S. forces sinking several small Iranian boats. The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
Iran has welcomed the pause and established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, introducing new approval processes, tolls, and designated corridors for vessels.
CMA CGM Ship Attack Heightens Tensions
In a major development on May 5-6, the Maltese-flagged CMA CGM San Antonio was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The French shipping giant confirmed crew injuries and vessel damage, with injured seafarers evacuated for treatment. This marks one of dozens of attacks on commercial vessels since the conflict began.
Reports of a massive explosion and fire on another cargo ship in the area have further raised safety concerns among shipowners and insurers.
Global Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The disruption is affecting economies worldwide:
- Oil & Energy: Price volatility continues, with Asian importers like China, India, Japan, and South Korea seeking alternative supplies.
- Shipping & Trade: Container services to the Gulf are largely suspended. Rerouting adds weeks and extra costs to journeys.
- Seafarers: Crews on stranded vessels report growing stress amid ongoing security risks.
Experts warn that full restoration of Hormuz traffic could take months even if a deal is reached, due to mine clearance, insurance normalization, and confidence rebuilding.
Diplomatic Outlook and Next Steps
Talks mediated by Pakistan and involving other international players are intensifying. Iran has stated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured under its new procedures now that U.S. escort operations are paused. A fragile ceasefire holds, but incidents like the CMA CGM attack show the risks remain high.
Strait of Hormuz live traffic trackers such as hormuzstraitmonitor.com are being monitored closely by governments and industry players.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to highlight the vulnerability of critical global energy routes. Consumers may face sustained pressure on fuel and goods prices while businesses adapt to longer disruptions.
Stay updated on the latest Hormuz traffic, Strait of Hormuz developments, oil markets, and diplomatic efforts.
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সঙ্গীত, সমসাময়িক ঘটনাপ্রবাহ এবং রাজনীতি—এই ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে গভীর জ্ঞানের অধিকারী ইন্দ্রজিৎ তাঁর লেখায় সাংস্কৃতিক উপলব্ধির সাথে রাজনৈতিক বিশ্লেষণের সমন্বয় ঘটান। জাতীয় ও বৈশ্বিক ঘটনাবলির সাথে সংযোগ বজায় রাখার পাশাপাশি তাঁর লেখায় কলকাতার বৌদ্ধিক ও শৈল্পিক সত্তার প্রতিফলনও ফুটে ওঠে।