--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260622-fertilizer-ships-face-long-backlog-even-if-hormuz-fully-reopens/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Fertilizer shipments likely to face prolonged delays even after Hormuz reopens Publication Date: 2026-06-22T13:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-06-22T07:07:22-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/), [Freight & Logistics](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/logistics/), [Production & Supply](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/production/), [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/) ![Balanced Hydraulic Crane - The manipulator loads bulk cargo into the hold of a bulk carrier in a seaport.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/balanced-hydraulic-crane-the-manipulator-loads-bulk-cargo-into-the-hold-of-a-bulk-carrier-in-a-seaport-stockpack-istock.jpg) Hundreds of stranded vessels, higher insurance costs, and ongoing security risks are expected to limit fertilizer exports well beyond any ceasefire agreement. Fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are unlikely to resume normal levels immediately, even if the United States and Iran reach a lasting ceasefire. A backlog of vessels, higher war-risk insurance costs, and continued security concerns will likely disrupt maritime trade for an extended period. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed to commercial shipping since late February, after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran led Tehran to block the passage. According to Kpler, the route typically handles 30–35% of global seaborne urea trade and 20–30% of ammonia shipments. Approximately 515 vessels remain anchored or stalled in the region. Shipping executives and traders told Bloomberg that clearing the backlog will take months, as mine-clearing operations continue and insurers are unlikely to reduce war-risk premiums, which have increased tenfold since before the conflict. The disruption intensified on June 20 when Iran announced a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Israel of violating the Islamabad memorandum of understanding through military operations in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command rejected the claim, but vessel traffic remains sharply limited. Market participants expect fertilizer prices to stay elevated through the Northern Hemisphere fall application season, with a significant recovery in Gulf fertilizer exports unlikely before 2027. Source: [Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-15/fertilizer-ships-face-long-backlog-even-if-hormuz-reopens) Tags: [ammonia](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/ammonia/), [fertilizer prices](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/fertilizer-prices/), [food security](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/food-security/), [Iran](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/iran/), [shipping](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/shipping/), [Strait of Hormuz](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/strait-of-hormuz/), [supply chain](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/supply-chain/), [urea](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/urea/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.