Is Hormuz Open Yet? An Interactive Exploration

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, is currently closed, as indicated by an interactive map project. This side project, designed for fun rather than accuracy, uses public data sources to visualize ship crossings and positions, albeit with a lag of about four days. The map, powered by Leaflet and OpenStreetMap, shows the geopolitical landscape surrounding the strait, including countries like Iran, Oman, and the UAE.

Despite its playful nature, the project provides insights into maritime traffic, reporting nine crossings on April 5, 2026, with a breakdown of tanker, dry bulk, and general cargo ships. The data reveals significant fluctuations in traffic compared to the previous year, with a notable decrease in crossings over the last 90 days.

The project also links to a prediction market on Polymarket, suggesting a 27% chance of traffic normalization by April 30. This speculative aspect adds an intriguing layer to the data, inviting users to consider the potential for future changes in the strait's accessibility.

While the creator, Montana Flynn, cautions against using the project for serious purposes due to data limitations, it serves as an engaging tool for those interested in maritime logistics and geopolitical dynamics. The GitHub repository offers further exploration for those curious about the project's technical underpinnings.