Iraqi crude supertanker transits Strait of Hormuz
Shafaq News- Tehran
A supertanker carrying Iraqi crude oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 10, Iranian media reported on Monday, amid continued disruption to regional shipping routes.
Semi-official Tasnim News Agency indicated that the very large crude carrier (VLCC) AGOIS FANOURIOS I transited the waterway through a route designated by Iran and is currently sailing through the Sea of Oman toward Vietnam’s Nghi Son port.
The Strait has remained largely shut since February 28 following the US–Israel war on Iran, disrupting energy flows and forcing Gulf producers, including Iraq, which routes roughly 95% of its oil exports through the waterway, to scale back shipments.
Vinayak Kharmale, head of operations at Sea Crown Marine Services, estimated that Iraq’s marine fuel sales fell to around 7,000 metric tons in April from 15,000 metric tons in March, marking a decline of roughly 53%. He attributed the slowdown to difficulties in vessel movement and voyage planning amid persistent security concerns in regional waters rather than weak demand.
Read more: Iraq's oil lifeline blocked: Why the crisis runs deeper than Hormuz
