Sanctioned China-Linked Tanker Tests US Hormuz Blockade, Makes ‘U-Turn’ After Transit

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 22:17 IST

Tracking data shows the sanctioned tanker crossed Hormuz before appearing to reverse course.

A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Musandam province. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

A US-sanctioned, China-linked tanker has emerged as one of the first vessels to test President Donald Trump’s naval blockade of Iranian ports, even as multiple ships continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite the restrictions.

The tanker, Rich Starry, passed through the strait and exited the Gulf after the blockade came into force, according to maritime tracking data from Kpler and LSEG. The vessel, sanctioned by the United States for its links to Iran, was carrying around 250,000 barrels of methanol and is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd.

Its movement has drawn close attention from shipowners and energy markets, with shipping publication Lloyd’s List describing the passage as a potential “test” of the US blockade.

Tracking data showed the tanker had earlier signalled Sohar in Oman as its destination, though monitoring in the region remains difficult due to signal disruption and spoofing — a tactic the vessel has previously been linked to.

Vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed that Rich Starry transited the Strait of Hormuz before appearing to reverse course in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was sanctioned by the United States in 2023 for its alleged role in helping Iran evade energy restrictions.

This was not the tanker’s first such movement. On Monday, it appeared to turn back near the Strait of Hormuz before resuming its journey hours later.

Following its latest course change, the tanker listed its destination as “for orders”. Earlier signals had pointed to Sohar in Oman, along with details of Chinese ownership and crew.

China criticised the US move, with foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun calling the blockade “dangerous and irresponsible” and warning it could escalate tensions in the region.

The Rich Starry was not alone. At least two other vessels departing Iranian ports also crossed the strait after the blockade took effect at 1400 GMT on Monday, according to Kpler.

These included the Comoros-flagged tanker Elpis, carrying 31,000 tonnes of methanol, and the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Christianna, which had unloaded corn at Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port before transiting near Larak Island.

Another sanctioned tanker, the Madagascar-flagged Murlikishan, also crossed into the Gulf on Tuesday morning via the same route.

US Central Command has said the blockade targets “vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas”.

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