Chinese-Linked Tanker Attacked Near Hormuz; Japanese Firm Says It Paid No Hormuz Fees

08/05/2026

Chinese-Linked Tanker Attacked Near Hormuz; Japanese Firm Says It Paid No Hormuz Fees

DUBAI, May 8: China said on Friday it was deeply concerned after a Chinese-linked tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

“There are Chinese aboard the vessel but no reported crew casualties so far,” China’s foreign ministry said.

A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the strategic waterway earlier this week, marking the first reported attack on a Chinese oil tanker since the conflict began.

According to Reuters, the vessel’s deck caught fire during the incident near the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Maritime security sources identified the ship as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker JV Innovation.

Meanwhile, a Japanese shipping company said three of its vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in April without paying any transit fees.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said the ships paid no charge to cross the waterway.

The statement comes as Iran seeks to impose new transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz and says vessels must obtain clearance before passing through the strategic passage.