Dubai: A US-sanctioned Chinese tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, slipping past Washington’s newly enforced naval blockade aimed at Iran’s oil trade, according to shipping trackers and Bloomberg reports.
The Rich Starry — fully Chinese-owned, operated by a Chinese crew, and earlier known as Full Star — faces US sanctions since 2023 for allegedly facilitating Tehran’s evasion of energy restrictions. Registered under Malawi’s flag despite the country’s statement that it maintains no ocean going vessel registry, the tanker traces ownership to Full Star Shipping Ltd., with ties to a Shanghai-based entity also targeted by US penalties.
Tanker Tries Twice, Breaches Blockade In Day
This successful passage capped the vessel’s second attempt since President Donald Trump activated the blockade on Monday. It first neared the narrow channel off Iran’s Qeshm Island, transmitted details of its Chinese ownership and crew as a routine maritime safety protocol — potentially testing US enforcement thresholds — before briefly retreating and resuming hours later to complete the transit.
Shippers Pause As Blockade Bites Iran Oil
Trump’s measure specifically curbs Iran’s petroleum exports through the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, leaving international shipping companies and energy traders in limbo. Major firms like Maersk and Trafigura have publicly paused Middle East-bound voyages, citing unclear rules; oil futures spiked 3% overnight amid fears of prolonged halts. No ships broadcasting active transponders have entered the Persian Gulf since the blockade’s start, heightening supply chain fears for Europe and Asia.
Second Tanker Enters Gulf Of Oman Amid Iran Ties
Complicating matters, the Elpis tanker entered the Gulf of Oman through the Strait of Hormuz precisely as the restrictions took effect. Ship-tracking platforms indicate it had docked at an Iranian port shortly before, raising questions about compliance amid the fluid enforcement landscape, Bloomberg notes.
Asia Pushes US-Iran Talks on Oil Risks
The incidents have Asian economies—major importers of Middle Eastern crude—on high alert over potential disruptions to 20% of global oil flows. Chinese Foreign Minister “Wang Yi has called for renewed diplomatic efforts, urging stakeholders to push for dialogue between Tehran and Washington.” India’s external affairs ministry echoed restraint, while Japan’s trade minister warned of “immediate price shocks”; EU diplomats floated multilateral talks to de-escalate.
Governments, maritime authorities, and industry experts remain vigilant, as escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz imperil global energy flows, freight routes, and geopolitical stability worldwide.
