After the Chinese tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz, a shipment from Iraq is expected to be loaded.
Shipping data on Tuesday showed that the sanctioned oil tanker “Morlickishan” entered the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to head to Iraq to load fuel oil on April 16, highlighting the continued flow of energy related to the region despite the restrictions.
The data indicates that the ship expected to operate in Iraq had previously participated in transporting Russian and Iranian oil, which reflects the complexity of supply networks in light of international sanctions and escalating geopolitical tensions.
Earlier today, Reuters reported that a Chinese oil tanker subject to US sanctions successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the US imposed sanctions on shipping linked to Iran.
The Chinese oil tanker Rich Starry, which is also under sanctions, crossed the strait carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, after loading it at the Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates, despite it and its owner being on the US sanctions list for dealings related to Iran.
This comes at a time when global markets are watching any movements in the Arabian Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for oil exports, as these developments raise questions about the effectiveness of US restrictions and the possibility of continued supply flows, including those related to Iraq.
Shafaq.com