A Chinese tanker, Rich Starry, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, despite US military and trade restrictions on Iran.
Despite the military and commercial restrictions defined as a complete blockade against Iran, which the United States implemented in the Strait of Hormuz as of April 13, it has been reported that a Chinese tanker on the sanctions list has successfully completed its passage through the strait.
According to maritime sources, the tanker named Rich Starry passed through the Strait of Hormuz smoothly in the morning and exited into the Persian Gulf. It was noted that the vessel is heading towards China after loading approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol from Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates.
The operator of the vessel, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, is listed on the U.S. sanctions list.
The chemical/oil products tanker, built in 2015, is currently flagged under Malawi with IMO number 9773301.
Experts indicate that this development marks the first verified commercial passage from the region since the White House's blockade decision. Maritime traffic monitoring data also shows that another tanker under sanctions, named Murlikishan, is approaching the entrance of the strait.
The passage is noted to be perceived as a de facto message regarding China's freedom of navigation following unsuccessful diplomatic contacts in Islamabad.
Industry representatives emphasize that following this incident, there may be new movements in the region concerning war risk premiums, marine insurance costs, and tanker freight rates. The smooth passage is also said to potentially set a precedent for other shipowners.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
