As reported by Bloomberg, the ship, formerly called Full Star, is under US sanctions from 2023 on suspicion of helping Tehran circumvent energy restrictions. The tanker was blacklisted for its possible participation in transportation related to Iranian oil.
The ship attempted to pass through the strait twice in less than 24 hours. It initially approached an area near the Iranian island of Qeshm, but turned back. Within a few hours, the tanker resumed its movement towards the exit from the Persian Gulf.
According to MarineTraffic, the Malawi-flagged Rich Starry is now in the Gulf of Oman, indicating successful passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
As reported by ReutersRich Starry became the first ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and exit the Persian Gulf after the American blockade began. The vessel is carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded at the port of Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates. According to the agency, the tanker is owned by the Chinese company Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, which, along with the vessel, is under US sanctions for trade with Iran, and there is a Chinese crew on board.
Context
Amid the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has almost stopped since March 1, which has led to a sharp rise in oil prices.
On March 10, information appeared in the media that Iran had allegedly begun mining the strait. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US Navy will escort tankers from companies that cooperate with the Americans through the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 14, Trump called China, France, Japan, South Korea, UK and other countries to send their ships to create conditions of openness and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
At midnight on March 22, Trump threatened to strike Iranian energy facilities if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully opened within 48 hours. After this, the country's representative at the UN maritime agency, Ali Mousavi, said that ships not related to “Iran's enemies” could pass through the strait, subject to coordination of security measures with Tehran. He did not say what exact conditions he was talking about, however, as Lloyd's List reported, Iran began charging ships for “safe” transit through the Strait of Hormuz. At least one oil tanker operator agreed to pay about $2 million for the deal.
As the New York Post reported on March 31, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would “open on its own” and the United States, he said, would not have to stay in Iran “for too long.”
On April 2, Euronews reported that more than 40 countries announced the creation of a coalition to ensure free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the hot phase of the war.
