The Pakistan-flagged oil tanker Karachi, carrying crude oil loaded in the United Arab Emirates, has become the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, broadcasting an AIS tracking signal, since a sharp reduction in shipping traffic through the narrow point.
Data from MarineTraffic, a vessel tracking platform, shows that the 237-metre tanker entered Iran’s exclusive economic zone on 15 March at 11:33 UTC and crossed the strait about three hours later before continuing on to the Gulf of Oman.
The successful transit suggests that some commercial cargoes may receive agreements for safe passage through the strategic waterway, which typically carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply in recent weeks as tankers avoid the route.
Oil prices fell slightly on 16 March amid expectations that limited shipping traffic could be restored by this waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CBS on 15 March that Tehran is unwilling to negotiate with Washington but is open to talks with other countries on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that several countries have already been contacted.
Iran has previously signalled that it may allow certain ships to pass through the strait while restricting vessels linked to the United States or Israel.