Has Donald Trump’s Blockade Collapsed? Chinese Tanker Transits Hormuz Despite US Threats

New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions with Iran, Donald Trump has asserted that the US is maintaining a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. However, this blockade appears to be faltering. Shipping data reveals that a Chinese tanker—currently under US sanctions—transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The vessel’s passage, despite the US blockade, raises significant questions.

Data from MarineTraffic and Kpler indicates that the Chinese tanker, Rich Starry, is the first vessel to exit the Gulf via Hormuz since the commencement of the blockade. Notably, the tanker and its owner—Shanghai Zhuanrun Shipping Co. Ltd.—were placed under US sanctions due to their engagement in trade with Iran.

The Rich Starry is a medium-sized tanker carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. Data indicates that the vessel loaded its cargo at the port of Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the data confirms that the Chinese-owned tanker is currently manned by a Chinese crew.

According to additional data, a second tanker under US sanctions—the Murlikrishnan—also entered the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. It is anticipated that this empty tanker will load oil in Iraq on April 16. Formerly known as the MKA, this vessel has historically been involved in transporting Russian and Iranian oil.