Greek-operated tanker sails through Strait of Hormuz despite tensions
A Greek-operated oil tanker, Shenlong Suezmax, has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, carrying Saudi Arabian crude loaded at the port of Ras Tanura and destined for the Indian port of Mumbai, according to analysis from maritime data platforms Kpler, Lloyd’s List Intelligence, and MarineTraffic. The vessel last recorded its position inside the strait on March 8 before updating its location as heading for India.
The Shenlong’s passage through the Strait of Hormuz comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the US-Israel war with Iran. Iranian Revolutionary Guards have threatened to fire on any ship attempting to pass through the waterway, which handles a significant share of global crude flows. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key oil transit chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Oil prices surge as shipping disruption fears grip market
Oil prices surged to more than $119 a barrel on Monday, hitting levels not seen since mid-2022 as some Gulf producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruption gripped the market. The surge in oil prices follows a separate voyage by another vessel managed by Dynacom, Pola, which crossed through Hormuz last week to load a crude cargo at a port in the United Arab Emirates.
IMO Secretary-General expresses concern over attacks on merchant vessels
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), expressed his grave concern regarding the recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region of the Strait of Hormuz. “All parties without exception, and I repeat, without exception, must respect the freedom of navigation,” he said during an IMO meeting in London.
Shipping activity remains reduced as companies adapt to security environment
Despite the tensions, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has remained at reduced levels, with many vessels turning off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship tracking transponders before crossing the strait. “Navigation through the corridor remains open, but activity may continue at reduced levels as shipping companies adapt to the prevailing security and insurance environment,” maritime analytics specialists Signal Group said in a note on Monday.
Iranian shipments continue despite sanctions
Two oil products tankers with links to Iran made separate voyages through Hormuz in recent days, according to analysis from Kpler and Lloyd’s List Intelligence. At least five tankers laden with around 11 million barrels of crude have left Iranian ports since airstrikes on Iran began on February 28, with liquefied petroleum gas supplies also moving, ship trackers and traders said on Friday. Four separate supertankers, each carrying 2 million barrels of oil and operated by Iranian tanker group NITC, arrived in waters around Singapore on Monday after sailing from Iran.
Original Article: Greek-operated tanker with Saudi oil cargo sails through Hormuz, ship tracking data shows | Reuters — Reuters