Shipping data indicates U.S.-sanctioned tankers are continuing to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite a U.S. blockade.
A U.S.-sanctioned Chinese tanker, Rich Starry, passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday despite a U.S. blockade, according to shipping data from LSEG, MarineTraffic and Kpler. The vessel is believed to be the first to exit the Gulf since the blockade began. Its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, could not be immediately reached for comment.
The tanker, carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded in the United Arab Emirates’ Hamriyah, has a Chinese crew on board. Data also showed another sanctioned vessel, Murlikishan, entered the strait and is expected to load fuel oil in Iraq on April 16. The ship has previously transported Russian and Iranian oil.