London, United Kingdom. A Greek-operated oil tanker has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, ship tracking data showed on Monday, suggesting some commercial vessels are still attempting to navigate the passage despite the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
Tanker details and route
The Shenlong Suezmax, with a capacity of 1 million barrels, is carrying Saudi Arabian crude loaded at the port of Ras Tanura and has listed its destination as the Indian port of Mumbai, according to analysis from maritime data platforms Kpler, Lloyd’s List Intelligence and MarineTraffic. The tanker last recorded its position inside the strait on March 8, before updating its location as heading for India.
Traffic conditions and security warnings
Hundreds of ships remain anchored on both sides of the waterway as oil and shipping markets watch for any sign that sailings might pick up through the narrow corridor, which handles a large share of global crude flows. A senior official with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has said the strait is closed and Iran will fire on any ship trying to pass, Iranian media reported last week.
Strategic importance and market reaction
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 surged to more than $119 a barrel on Monday, reaching levels not seen since mid-2022, as some Gulf producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruption affected the market.
Company response and IMO statement
An official with the vessel’s Athens-based manager Dynacom Tankers declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the matter. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations’ shipping agency, said on Monday that all parties must respect freedom of navigation and expressed grave concern about recent attacks on merchant vessels in the region, speaking at an IMO meeting in London.
How do you think ongoing security threats in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global energy markets?
