A Chinese-owned tanker under U.S. sanctions has passed the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports that began on Monday.
Citing data from Kpler and MarineTraffic, Reuters reported that the vessel had traversed the chokepoint earlier today. Owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd., the vessel, Rich Starry, became a target for U.S. sanctions because it was used to transport Iranian crude.
The Rich Starry is loaded with 250,000 barrels of methanol that it loaded at the Emirati port of Hamriyah, according to the data. It could be that fact that has ensured the unobstructed passage of the vessel, despite the sanctions. The U.S. Central Command said the blockade would only cover Iranian ports and traffic to and from them.
Another tanker, also under U.S. sanctions, entered the strait today as well, Reuters also reported, citing data from Kpler and LSEG. The Murlikishan is heading for Iraq, where it would load fuel oil, Kpler said. The tanker has been previously used to transport both Iranian and Russian oil.
President Trump on Sunday said the U.S. Navy would “begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.” The blockade was set to start at 10 am Eastern Time on Monday and would not, in point of fact, target any and all ships, but only those heading for or setting off from Iranian ports.
The blockade will be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” the U.S. Central Command said in an X post on Sunday. “CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” the authority added.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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