An empty supertanker flying the flag of Russia has transited the Strait of Hormuz and moved into the Persian Gulf with Iran’s Kharg Island broadcast as its initial destination, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing vessel-tracking data.
The very large crude carrier (VLCC) Arhimeda, built in 2000, moved into the Gulf from the Strait of Hormuz late on Thursday, as the market and analysts are focusing on monitoring how traffic through the chokepoint is now faring after the ceasefire announced on Tuesday night.
Arhimeda took the flag of Russia in January this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The last known cargo the vessel has moved was a shipment of Venezuela’s Merey crude in August 2025, months before the U.S. took control of Venezuela’s oil exports.
Arhimeda, under its previous name Vizuri, was blacklisted by the U.S. Treasury Department, due to its links to trade with Iranian oil.
While the Arhimeda made a rare trip into the Strait of Hormuz, traffic has remained at a virtual standstill even after the ceasefire.
Iran continues to control the transits through the Strait of Hormuz and is publicly indicating it would charge toll fees for vessels using the chokepoint.
Contrary to market expectations of quick resumption of vessel traffic, “The ceasefire has not reopened the Strait of Hormuz, and transit remains tightly controlled,” maritime intelligence firm Windward said in a note on Thursday.
About 3,200 vessels remain stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, including about 800 tankers and cargo ships, the firm said.
Part of the traffic flows have restructured across Oman and the east coast ports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in recent weeks, instead of returning to normal, according to Windward.
“Transit volumes remain low and highly selective,” said the intelligence firm, adding that “No major operators or oil majors have resumed activity.”
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
- China Weighs Bailout for Airlines Struggling with Fuel Shock
- Oil Prices Climb Toward $100 as Iran Ceasefire Doubts Deepen
- Gulf Producers Take First Steps Toward Resuming Hormuz Oil Flows
