14/04/2026
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14/04/2026
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DUBAI, Apr 14: A chemical and oil tanker that had earlier aborted its attempt to leave the Strait of Hormuz has resumed movement and successfully transited the strategic waterway early Tuesday, marking one of the first developments under heightened maritime restrictions in the region.
The vessel, identified as Rich Starry, had been waiting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data from Lloyd’s List, which cited energy tracking firm Vortexa. The tanker had reportedly turned back on Monday before continuing its journey through the strait.
The U.S. military has said that recent restrictions apply only to vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports, though it remains unclear whether the tanker had any prior connection to Iranian shipments. The U.S. Central Command has not commented on the specific vessel.
According to maritime tracking data, the tanker has been listed by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control as linked to Iranian shipping networks. It is flagged to Malawi and is considered part of complex “flag-of-convenience” shipping practices often used in global maritime trade.
Meanwhile, reports indicate the vessel may be heading toward Sohar port in Oman, with some shipping data suggesting its ultimate destination could be China. The tanker is also reported to be owned by a Chinese shipping company.
The incident highlights growing uncertainty in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, where shipping movements are being closely monitored amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
