Sanctioned Chinese tanker tests US Hormuz blockade

A FALSELY-flagged tanker, sanctioned by the US for previous Iran trading, has exited the Strait of Hormuz testing President Donald Trump’s naval blockade.

Rich Starry (IMO: 9773301), a 36,000 dwt combined chemical and oil tanker, thought to be fraudulently flagged to Malawi, had initially appeared to abort an outbound voyage on Monday with Automatic Identification System data showing the 2015-built vessel turning back westward after heading towards the Larak-Qeshm route.

However, Rich Starry then re-started its voyage overnight and exited the strait in the early hours of Tuesday, apparently unchallenged.

The tanker’s AIS signal indicates “China owners and Crew’ in the sip’s destination field.

Rich Starry, formerly known as Full Star, is subject to US sanctions. Designated by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control under Iran-related authorities, the vessel is listed on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list for its involvement in shipping Iranian products.

The tanker, which according to Vortexa data is laden, had previously been anchored off the UAE coast in the Gulf of Oman, re-entered the Middle East Gulf ten days ago only to then wait off Sharjah since then.

Rich Starry then exited the strait with an unspecified destination after the US Central Command (Centcom) confirming its forces will begin blockading all Iranian traffic from 1500 hrs on April 13.

It is not clear whether Rich Starry is carrying Iran-loaded oil.

According to the International Maritime Organization’s database Rich Starry is owned by Full Star Shipping Ltd., which shares the same contact details as Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Company Limited, which has been on the US sanctions list since March 2023.

Lloyd’s List has been unable to contact either company.