Report: The first giant oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude oil has passed through the Strait of Hormuz

Latest market news reports that a giant oil tanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. If this news is accurate, it would be the first observed vessel to successfully transit the route and export Iraqi oil since the Middle East conflict reignited.

Ship positioning signals show that the Omega Trader oil tanker managed by NYK Line is now located in Mumbai, India. According to reports, the last signal from this vessel was over ten days ago, and it was inside the Persian Gulf.

(Source: marinetraffic)

As of press time, this news has not been confirmed by official sources.

Since the conflict erupted, only a few oil tankers have passed through the strait, so any signs of navigation are highly watched by the market. With the US, Israel, and Iran entering the fourth week of war, the shipping route involving one-fifth of global oil trade remains blocked, causing what is considered the largest supply disruption in oil market history.

Based on the destination of the aforementioned oil tanker, there may be diplomatic mediation by India behind the vessel’s passage.

Last week, reports indicated that as India engaged in diplomatic talks, the Iranian Navy escorted an Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. During the crossing, Indian ships maintained radio contact with the Iranian Navy. Iran recorded the ship’s flag, name, departure and destination ports, and crew nationality (all crew members are Indian), guiding it along the agreed route.

This also confirms some analysts’ speculation that Iran is implementing a “traffic control system” in the Strait of Hormuz, identifying and allowing safe passage for friendly nations’ ships while deterring others with the threat of attack.

Navigation data also shows that in recent days, other oil tankers have departed from the Persian Gulf.

For example, the Al Ruwais, loaded with naphtha from the UAE in early March, is currently heading to Asia; Abu Dhabi-III, also loaded with fuel in Ruwais, UAE, arrived at Vadinar port in India on Monday. Since many ships turn off signals while crossing the strait, their passage is only confirmed after leaving the Persian Gulf.