Two Sanctioned Tankers, 15 other Vessels Cross Strait of Hormuz

A Chinese-owned sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry, passed through the Strait of Hormuz following the US military's naval blockade announced by US President Donald Trump, as per data from Marine Traffic service.

The tanker, flying the flag of Malawi  passed through the Strait of Hormuz on the morning of April 14.

The vessel is carrying methanol and is listed as destined for China. The tanker is owned by Full Star Shipping. It has been under US sanctions since 2023 for its ties to Iran.

Another US-sanctioned tanker, Murlikishan also headed into the strait on April 12, LSEG data showed. The empty handysize tanker is expected to load fuel oil at Iraq on April 16, Kpler data showed. The vessel, formerly known as MKA, has transported Russian and Iranian oil.

Earlier, Rajab Safarov, Director General of the Russian Center for the Study of Contemporary Iran, explained in an interview with Zvezda that China receives 30% of its oil from Iran. American attempts to block tankers carrying Iranian oil bound for China could lead to a very serious conflict with China and Iran.

Iranian media reported that over the past 36 hours, approximately 15-20 vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz with the consent of Iran.

Most of the vessels were owned or affiliated with China, Russia, or Pakistan.