Shipping groups want mines cleared, TSS restored for normal Hormuz traffic in International Shipping News 20/06/2026 Maritime traffic via the Strait of Hormuz will only return to normal levels when mines are removed and traditional routes restored, some of the world’s largest shipping organizations said June 18 while calling for more clarity on transit rules and coordination among authorities to allow safe passage. Iran has warned of mine risks for transiting via the Traffic Separation Scheme routes while agreeing to demine the strait within 30 days in its preliminary peace agreement with the US, signed by both countries’ leaders June 17. In a statement, INTERTANKO said clearing the TSS routes of all mine threats “must be a priority,” and all governments involved need to clearly communicate with the shipping industry upon completion. “Some ships will, of course, start to move. That will be natural. But shipowners have adopted a very cautious approach,” said Tim Wilkins, managing director of INTERTANKO, which represents 191 companies that own and operate 4,152 tankers with a total carrying capacity of 380 million deadweight tons. “The safety and security of seafarers have been uppermost in their minds,” according to Wilkins. S&P Global Commodities at Sea data showed 25 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on June 17, including three VLCCs, three product tankers and one small tanker. The total number of transits was the highest in a month but still much lower than levels seen before the US-Iran war broke out Feb. 28. On average, 135 ships a day, including 46-47 oil tankers, used the Hormuz waterway — which handled 20% of global oil and LNG trades — in February. “Once safe and secure passage through the strait has been confirmed, ships already in the Persian Gulf can begin re-establishing trade,” said Niels Rasmussen, chief shipping analyst at BIMCO, the world’s largest shipowners’ organization by direct membership across various sectors. “This includes more than 100