Oil Tankers Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing US-Israeli Conflict with Iran

As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran escalates, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical passage for oil tankers, despite heightened tensions and a blockade affecting Iranian ports. Since the onset of hostilities on February 28, 2026, numerous non-Iranian oil tankers have successfully traversed this vital maritime route, underscoring its significance in global energy supply chains.

The US blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports has intensified uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil and gas exports. Typically, about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports pass through this narrow waterway.

Recent Developments in Oil Tanker Transits

A review of recent tanker movements reveals a diverse array of vessels navigating the strait, with cargo destinations spanning several countries.

Vietnam

On April 15, the Malta-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Agios Fanourios I made its second attempt to transit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. According to Kpler data, this tanker is en route to Iraq to load Basra crude for delivery to Vietnam. The vessel was among several that sought to enter the Gulf during a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Malaysia

The Liberia-flagged VLCC Serifos successfully navigated the Hormuz Passage trial anchorage, which circumvents Iran’s Larak Island, on April 10. This tanker, which loaded crude from Saudi Arabia and the UAE in early March, is expected to arrive at Malaysia’s Malacca port on April 21.

Additionally, the Ocean Thunder, loaded with Iraqi crude and chartered by Malaysian state energy firm Petronas, transited the strait on April 5. It is anticipated to discharge its cargo of 1 million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude in Pengerang, Malaysia, on April 18. Both vessels are among seven Malaysia-linked tankers granted clearance by Iran to pass through the strait.

China

Two China-flagged VLCCs, Cospearl Lake and He Rong Hai, exited the Strait of Hormuz on April 11. The Cospearl Lake, carrying Iraqi oil, is projected to reach Zhoushan port in China by May 1. Meanwhile, the He Rong Hai is bound for Myanmar to discharge its Saudi crude cargo.

Another VLCC, Dhalkut, passed through the strait on April 2, also heading to Myanmar to deliver Saudi crude on April 22. Crude typically discharged in Myanmar is destined for PetroChina’s Yunnan refinery. A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry noted that three Chinese vessels had recently navigated the strait after coordinating with relevant parties.

India

In March and April, at least two VLCCs and two suezmax tankers exited the Gulf to deliver crude to India. The VLCC Habrut, which crossed the strait on April 2, was en route to Paradip to discharge Abu Dhabi crude for Indian Oil Corporation on April 15. The Marathi discharged Saudi crude at Sikka port for Reliance Industries on March 28.

The Liberia-flagged Smyrni suezmax tanker exited the strait on March 12, delivering 1 million barrels of Saudi crude at Mumbai for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation on March 16. Another suezmax, Shenlong, left the strait on March 6, discharging the same amount of Saudi crude at Mumbai on March 11.

Additionally, the Gabon-flagged tanker Msg, loaded with residual fuel, was headed to Pipavav port in India after passing through the strait on April 9. The Liberia-flagged Navara, which transited the strait on March 31, discharged fuel oil at Sikka port on April 8.

In late March, the Indian government confirmed that two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers carrying approximately 94,000 metric tons of cooking gas had safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz en route to India. The BW Tyr discharged at Mumbai and Pipavav between April 5 and April 7, while the BW Elm discharged at three Indian ports between April 6 and April 15. Prior to these movements, four other Indian-flagged LPG tankers had also transited the strait.

Pakistan

On April 12, two Pakistan-flagged tankers entered the Gulf. The Aframax tanker Shalamar was reported to be heading to the United Arab Emirates to load Das crude, while the Panamax-sized Khairpur is en route to Kuwait to load refined products. The Aframax tanker P. Aliki passed through the strait on March 28, discharging Saudi crude at Karachi on March 31.

Thailand

A Thai oil tanker owned by Bangchak Corporation successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic coordination between Thailand and Iran. This vessel was not required to pay to escape the blockade, as confirmed by a Thai official and representatives from the oil company on March 25. The Suezmax tanker Pola discharged 1 million barrels of Khafji crude at ports in Thailand and Singapore, according to Kpler data.

The ongoing conflict and the associated blockade have created a complex environment for maritime shipping in the region. The successful transit of these vessels highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy markets, even amidst geopolitical tensions.

Source: www.emirates247.com

Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.

Published on 2026-04-15 08:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk