New Delhi, May 13: A Chinese super tanker carrying crude oil has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. According to ship-tracking data, the tanker “Yuan Hua Hu” was seen exiting the Gulf region after passing near Iran’s Lark Island, heading southward.
The vessel was observed traversing the unstable and sensitive waterway on Wednesday morning. Reports indicate that it moved through the eastern part of the strait, close to Lark Island.
On May 11, Reuters reported, citing shipping data from Kepler and LSEG, that three oil tankers had crossed the Strait of Hormuz after shutting down their tracking systems. These tankers were transporting crude oil, with two very large crude carriers (VLCCs)—the “Aegios Fanorios I” and “Kiara M”—having exited the strait on Sunday, each carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude oil.
It was noted that the “Aegios Fanorios,” bound for Vietnam, had previously failed to navigate the waterway on two attempts since loading Basra medium crude on April 17. However, it was claimed that the Maltese-flagged “Aegios Fanorios” successfully crossed the strait with assistance on that day, according to Iranian Tasnim News Agency.
Iran has maintained control over the strait, citing its own conditions, while the U.S. has imposed blockades on its ports. The strait remains a significant point of contention in peace negotiations between the two nations. Additionally, there have been missile or drone attacks targeting passing ships.
On May 4, a tanker named “JV Innovation,” sailing under the Marshall Islands flag but directly linked to China, was attacked. The vessel caught fire on its deck following drone or missile strikes, which Beijing officially confirmed. The attack occurred near the UAE’s Mina Sakr port, and the ship had a Chinese crew on board.
In response to the attack, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern, stating that assaults on civilian vessels would not be tolerated.