Sanctioned Chinese Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Despite US Naval Blockade

A Chinese owned tanker under US sanctions has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a US naval blockade of Iranian ports that began earlier this week. The vessel, Rich Starry, is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd. and had previously been sanctioned for transporting Iranian crude oil.

According to data from Kpler and MarineTraffic, the tanker transited the key maritime chokepoint without disruption. Reports indicate it was carrying around 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded at the Emirati port of Hamriyah, a factor that may have allowed it to pass without enforcement action. US Central Command clarified that the blockade applies specifically to Iranian ports and vessels traveling to or from them, rather than restricting all maritime traffic in the region.

Sanctions Enforcement Focused on Iranian Trade Routes

A second sanctioned tanker, the Murlikishan, also entered the strait during the same period while heading toward Iraq to load fuel oil, according to Kpler and LSEG data. The vessel has previously been linked to transporting Iranian and Russian oil.

US President Donald Trump announced that the US Navy would begin blocking ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, though official statements later clarified that freedom of navigation for non-Iranian routes through the Strait of Hormuz would not be impeded.

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