6 Chinese-Linked Tankers Cross Hormuz Amid Iran’s Sea-Based Crude Exports Halt for 28 Days

The passage of at least six Chinese-owned or operated tankers through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as reported by maritime tracking data, occurs against a backdrop of significantly diminished shipping activity in this vital global chokepoint. The vessels, including the DEEPBLUE, APEX GAS, QUAR, STARWAY, AQUILA, YUAN HUA HU, and the vehicle carrier CIANG JIANG KOU, were observed crossing the strait during daylight hours.

This development is particularly noteworthy given the assessment by maritime analytics group TankerTrackers.com that Iran has not exported crude oil by sea for the past 28 days. Their analysis, based on vessel tracking and a specific definition of exports requiring tankers to move beyond a monitored naval blockade line, suggests a near-complete cessation of seaborne crude shipments. The continued, albeit limited, export of refined petroleum products is attributed to the absence of U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions on certain tankers involved in these specific shipments.

The presence of Chinese-linked vessels navigating the strait, even amidst reduced traffic, highlights the complex geopolitical and economic dynamics at play. While Iran's crude exports are reportedly halted, the movement of these tankers, particularly those associated with China, underscores the intricate web of global trade and energy flows. The situation also involves numerous other cargo vessels clustered near Pakistani waters or remaining idle both inside and outside what TankerTrackers describes as a blockade perimeter, indicating a broader disruption and uncertainty in regional maritime operations.