US Blockade on Iranian Ports Takes Effect on Day 1; 3rd Oil Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz

SINGAPORE/TOKYO, April 14 (CNA) -- On the first day of the US blockade on ships docking in Iranian ports, the third oil tanker involved with Iran, the "Peace Gulf," is transiting the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, according to shipping data.

Following the failure of talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, last weekend, US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of all Iranian ports, effective from 2 PM GMT on April 13 (10 PM Taiwan time on April 13). However, ships not bound for Iran are permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

LSEG data shows that the Panama-flagged Aframax tanker "Peace Gulf" is en route to Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates.

According to energy market intelligence firm Kpler, the "Peace Gulf" typically transports naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, from Iran to other non-Iranian Middle Eastern ports for re-export to Asia.

Prior to this, two US-sanctioned oil tankers had passed through the Strait of Hormuz: the "Murlikishan" and the "Rich Starry."

According to Kpler data, the Handysize tanker "Murlikishan" is heading to Iraq and is expected to load fuel oil on April 16. This vessel, previously named MKA, had transported Russian and Iranian crude oil.

LSEG and Kpler data indicate that another sanctioned tanker, the "Rich Starry," will be the first vessel to successfully transit the Strait of Hormuz and exit the Persian Gulf since the US blockade was implemented.

This oil tanker is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, both of which have been sanctioned by the US for dealings with Iran.

Data shows that the "Rich Starry" is a Chinese-owned Aframax tanker, currently carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. Its last port of call was Hamriyah Port in the UAE, and it has a Chinese crew.

Reuters reported that these three oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz but did not sail to Iranian ports, thus not being subject to the blockade restrictions.

Regarding the US blockade of Iranian ports, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized it today as a "dangerous and irresponsible" act, warning that it would only escalate tensions. It did not mention whether any Chinese vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz. (Translator: Gao Zaofen/Editor: Chen Zhengjian) April 14, 2026.

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