Despite US Blockade, Sanctioned Oil Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz

Shipping data showed on Tuesday that an oil tanker subject to U.S. sanctions transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the United States imposed a blockade on the vital waterway, according to Reuters.

The agency reported that, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group, MarineTraffic, and Kpler, the tanker Rich Stary left the Gulf after passing through the strait, becoming the first vessel to do so since the restrictions were imposed.

Reuters noted that the tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co., Ltd., are subject to U.S. sanctions for dealings related to Iran. There was no immediate comment from the company.

According to the data, the tanker is carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol, loaded at the Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. It is owned by Chinese entities and has a Chinese crew.

Meanwhile, another tanker, the Moroccan (also known as the M.K.A.), which is subject to U.S. sanctions, entered the Strait of Hormuz, where it is estimated to be heading to load fuel oil from Iraq on April 16. This tanker, formerly known as the M.K.A., has previously transported oil shipments from Russia and Iran.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports. In contrast to Trump’s pronouncements, many European countries have shown no willingness to assist him in his attempt to impose sanctions.

In a strongly worded warning, the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman “will either be for everyone or for no one,” emphasizing that if the security of Iranian ports is threatened, no port in the region will be safe.

Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)