A Chinese tanker under U.S. sanctions crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, defying the American naval blockade. The development was revealed through an analysis of vessel tracking data. According to shipping data providers LSEG, MarineTraffic, and Kpler, the tanker named “Rich Starry” is the first to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade began.
The United States had imposed sanctions on both the tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Company Limited, due to their business dealings with Iran. Reuters did not receive any immediate comment from the Chinese company on the matter.
“Rich Starry” is a medium-sized tanker carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. The cargo was loaded at the Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. The crew onboard the Chinese-owned vessel are also Chinese nationals.
Meanwhile, LSEG data indicates that another sanctioned tanker named “Murlikishan” also moved toward the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. According to Kpler, this medium-sized (handysize) empty tanker is expected to load fuel oil from Iraq on April 16. Previously known as “MKA,” the vessel had transported oil from Russia and Iran.
Chinese ship passes through Strait of Hormuz despite US blockade
