Greek-Operated Oil Tanker Defied Iranian Threats and Crossed the Strait of Hormuz with 1 Million Barrels of Oil from Saudi Arabia
The Shenlong, a Suezmax-class tanker operated by Greece’s Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd., successfully navigated the treacherous Strait of Hormuz, carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil. This crossing, which occurred in recent days, marks one of the first major transits by a large commercial vessel since Iran issued stark warnings against shipping in the vital waterway.
The Details of the Shenlong’s Daring Voyage
The Shenlong loaded its cargo of Saudi crude at the port of Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia before heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. To evade potential detection and threats, the vessel switched off its automatic identification system (AIS) transponder on March 4, 2026, while still in the Persian Gulf. It reappeared on ship-tracking systems near India‘s coastline on the morning of March 9, 2026, signaling its successful passage through the strait en route to the Indian port of Mumbai.
This transit came against a backdrop of severe Iranian threats. A senior official from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed” and warned that any ship attempting to pass would be fired upon, as reported by Iranian media in early March 2026.
Global Energy Supply Chains Under Pressure
The strait, a narrow chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, typically handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply—equivalent to 16-18 million barrels per day—making any disruption a potential catalyst for global energy price spikes. The Shenlong‘s journey underscores the fragility of global energy supply chains and highlights the determination of some operators to maintain oil flows despite significant risks.
Tanker Traffic Plummets Amid Conflict
The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has led to multiple attacks on vessels, including at least five tankers struck since the conflict’s onset. These incidents, combined with Iran’s retaliatory strikes, have caused tanker traffic through the strait to plummet by around 90%, with hundreds of ships anchored on both sides awaiting safer conditions.
Drive-By Media: Oil Tankers Never Stopped Crossing
Oil tankers never stopped crossing the Strait of Hormuz. They turned off mandatory AIS tracking to move through safely and switched it back on after. Media reported a crisis that was not happening, causing oil and gas prices to spike. h/t @MarineTraffic
Original Article: Greek-Operated Oil Tanker Defied Iranian Threats and Crossed the Strait of Hormuz with 1 Million Barrels of Oil from Saudi Arabia — Energynewsbeat