Chinese-linked vessel transits Hormuz despite US naval blockade

A Chinese-owned oil tanker sailing under the Malawi flag has successfully transited the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data, despite heightened tensions and an ongoing US naval blockade targeting Iran.

Tracking data from MarineTraffic shows the tanker Rich Starry initially attempted to pass through the strait around midday UTC on April 13 but briefly reversed course near Qeshm Island. The vessel later made a second attempt in the evening and appears to have completed its passage by early April 14, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The tanker is owned by Full Star Shipping Ltd, which is linked to Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, and has been under US sanctions since 2023 over its connections to Iran. Prior to April 2023, the vessel operated under the name Full Star and was registered in Hong Kong.

Its port of origin could not be independently confirmed. The transit comes as the United States Navy enforces a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, part of escalating measures in the region.

Data provided by analytics firm Kpler indicates the vessel was carrying methanol and had listed its next destination as China.

By Sabina Mammadli