A tanker under US sanctions and linked to China has decided to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, testing the strength of US President Donald Trump's naval blockade, Bloomberg reports, writes UNN.
Details
The tanker Rich Starry, a medium-sized cargo vessel previously known as Full Star, was blacklisted by Washington in 2023 for assisting Tehran in circumventing energy sanctions. This time, it is unclear whether it visited Iranian ports before its transit or is carrying cargo.
This exit from the Persian Gulf is the vessel's second attempt in less than 24 hours. As soon as the blockade came into effect, Rich Starry headed into the narrow strait near the Iranian island of Qeshm and turned back – only to resume its exit a few hours later, reporting that it had a Chinese owner and crew. This, as stated, is a safety mechanism often used by vessels, but it will test the US's resolve to confront vessels linked to the world's largest oil importer.
The global shipping community and energy traders have been on edge since Trump announced a naval blockade of Iran, which began on Monday at 10:00 AM New York time, and they are trying to sort out the details. Most of those surveyed by Bloomberg in the Middle East and Asia said they would suspend their operations until the details of the US blockade, designed to limit Iran's ability to sell its oil, become clear.
Another tanker, Elpis, headed to the Gulf of Oman through the strait just as the blockade began. Shipping platforms Kpler and Vortexa indicate that Elpis docked at an Iranian port in the Persian Gulf before attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the blockade came into effect, no vessels with transponders turned on have been observed in the Persian Gulf.
Trump's threats and the start of the blockade have caused alarm among Asian countries, which are heavily dependent on energy and fuel exports from the Middle East. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on interested parties in the world to seek peaceful negotiations between Tehran and Washington, according to a statement published by Beijing on Monday.
China condemns blockade of Iranian ports and calls for continued ceasefire13.04.26, 23:04