Iran’s attempt to reimpose transit controls over the Strait of Hormuz is meeting growing resistance from commercial operators, with vessel traffic continuing to move through the corridor despite renewed restrictions, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward.
Iran Reinstates Transit Requirements — But Traffic Keeps Moving
On June 20, Iran announced the reinstatement of Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) toll and clearance requirements, effectively reversing the framework established following the June 17 U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. The move places operators in a difficult position: complying with PGSA requirements could create sanctions exposure under Western frameworks, while non-compliance risks Iranian enforcement action.
The initial impact was visible. Windward reports that daily transit activity fell from approximately 20 crossings following the MoU to just 12 on June 21, with European and neutral commercial operators largely absent from the traffic picture.
However, June 22 told a different story.
According to Windward, Earth Observation (EO) imagery collected on June 22 showed active two-way movement in the northern corridor, while AIS tracking recorded 25 visible transits — including 10 inbound and 15 outbound crossings. Among the most notable movements were LNG carriers linked to France and Qatar transiting openly toward Ras Laffan with AIS active.
Iranian Exports Hit a Two-Month High
Despite the contested transit environment, Iranian crude exports are accelerating. Vortexa data cited by Windward recorded 6.79 million barrels exported from Iran during the week ending June 21 — the highest weekly volume since early May.
At Kharg Island, Windward reports that EO imagery confirmed three sanctioned VLCCs loading crude while actively transmitting AIS, with multiple berths brought back into operation. This open AIS behavior represents a marked departure from the covert posture these vessels maintained during the conflict period.
Sanctioned Fleet Operating with Greater Visibility
A cluster of 17 tankers was observed in the southeastern Hormuz corridor on June 22, according to Windward’s platform data. Ten of the 17 were sanctioned under OFAC Iran programs, and 16 were actively transmitting AIS. Windward assesses that at least ten vessels in the cluster are participating in a coordinated Iranian export network using transshipment and vessel-to-vessel transfers to obscure cargo origin.
Anchorages Remain Crowded
Fujairah and Khor Fakkan have not seen a significant departure of waiting vessels. Windward reports approximately 90 vessels at Fujairah and around 130 at Khor Fakkan as of mid-reporting period, the majority holding as ballast tankers awaiting clarity on transit conditions and Iranian enforcement.
Does This Matter to You?
The situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid and commercially significant. With PGSA compliance now creating a dual-sided risk — sanctions exposure on one hand, Iranian enforcement on the other — route planning, cargo scheduling, and insurance assessments in the region are all affected. The crowded anchorages at Fujairah and Khor Fakkan reflect ongoing uncertainty that has direct operational and logistical implications. The accelerating export volumes from Iran, combined with a sanctioned fleet operating with increased visibility, add further complexity to risk monitoring and due diligence processes across the supply chain.
The Cameroon shadow fleet investigation highlighted by Windward — covering 38 expelled tankers, 89 linked companies, and an average of 9.7 identity changes per vessel over 36 months — further underscores the scale of sanctions-evasion infrastructure now active in global shipping lanes.
Outlook
Windward notes that the next several days will be critical in determining whether renewed Iranian restrictions succeed in suppressing commercial traffic, or whether operator confidence in the post-agreement corridor continues to build. IRGC small-craft activity remains elevated, AIS manipulation is ongoing, and the compliance risks posed by the PGSA system are unresolved.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Windward
