Bloomberg: Russian-flagged supertanker transits Strait of Hormuz

A Russian-flagged supertanker has transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, marking a rare passage by a vessel linked to the country through its flag registry as shipping activity in the region remains closely monitored amid geopolitical tensions.

Ship-tracking data showed the vessel, identified as the Arhimeda, a 2000-built very-large crude carrier (VLCC), moving westward through the strategic waterway late on April 9. The tanker was sailing without cargo at the time of the transit, Bloomberg reports. 

The ship had reportedly indicated Iran’s Kharg Island—Tehran’s main crude export terminal—as its destination before later switching its status to “for orders,” a maritime term used when a vessel has no fixed assignment for its next port call.

The Arhimeda was reflagged to Russia and renamed in January 2026, according to maritime records. Previously, it had operated under a different name and sailed under the Cameroonian flag. In earlier voyages, the vessel was reportedly involved in transporting oil associated with Iran and Venezuela, though its exact cargo history could not be independently verified.

By Sabina Mammadli