Singapore: A Chinese tanker currently under U.S. sanctions successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, marking the first known vessel to breach the maritime blockade established by the United States at the strategic chokepoint.

Shipping analytics from LSEG, MarineTraffic, and Kpler, as reported by Reuters, confirmed that the Rich Starry transitioned through the strait and exited the Gulf. The vessel and its proprietor, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co. Ltd., were previously blacklisted by Washington for engaging in trade with Iran. Representatives for the shipping firm were not immediately available to provide a statement.

Cargo and Crew Details

The Rich Starry, classified as a medium-range tanker, is reportedly transporting approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol. Data indicates the ship took on its current cargo at its most recent port of call, Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, records show the tanker is operated by a Chinese crew.

Additional Maritime Movements

The Rich Starry was not the only sanctioned vessel active in the area on Tuesday. Data from LSEG identified the Murlikishan, an empty handysize tanker, also entering the strait. Formerly operating under the name MKA, the vessel has a documented history of transporting both Iranian and Russian petroleum products. According to Kpler, the Murlikishan is scheduled to take on a load of fuel oil in Iraq on April 16.

The successful passage of these vessels poses a major challenge to the enforcement of the U.S. blockade, which was implemented to sever Iranian trade routes.