Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A Chinese-linked oil tanker under US sanctions has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz after initially aborting its first attempt, according to vessel tracking data.
The tanker, Rich Star, sailing under the Malawian flag, was tracked by MarineTraffic as it attempted to pass through the key waterway on Monday before briefly turning back near Iran’s Qeshm Island. The vessel later resumed its journey and appears to have completed the crossing by early Tuesday.
Sanctions and Ownership Links
The ship is owned by Full Star Shipping Limited, which is linked to Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Limited. Both entities have been under US sanctions since 2023 due to alleged ties to Iran.
Shipping records show the vessel was previously known as “Full Star” and sailed under the Hong Kong flag before being reflagged in April 2023.
Cargo Bound for China
Data shared by analytics firm Kpler indicates that the tanker was carrying a shipment of methanol, with China listed as its next destination.
The vessel’s port of origin has not been confirmed.
Heightened Sensitivity in Key Waterway
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, with a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passing through it. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions enforcement have increased scrutiny of vessels operating in the region.
Despite continuing US restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping networks, the successful transit of the sanctioned tanker highlights the ongoing complexity of monitoring and enforcing maritime sanctions in the region.
