Chinese tanker breaks through US blockade and passes through the Strait of Hormuz
The tanker Rich Starry, blacklisted for cooperation with Iran, successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, breaking the US naval blockade, Reuters reports. This occurred after US forces had blocked passage through the Strait in the Persian Gulf. The vessel is carrying 250,000 barrels of methanol.
Following Rich Starry, another sanctioned tanker, Murlikishan, is heading toward the Strait. This tanker has previously transported Russian and Iranian oil. It is expected to refuel with fuel oil in Iraq on April 16.
The owner of Rich Starry is the Chinese company Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd.
Despite US efforts to block these vessels, sanctioned tankers are still navigating this critical maritime route, which plays a vital role in regional supply chains.
This situation highlights the difficulties in enforcing shipping controls in the Strait of Hormuz and poses ongoing challenges for US sanctions policy moving forward.
