WANA (May 21) – A Chinese supertanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil has finally passed through the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded in the Persian Gulf for nearly two months, continuing its journey toward China.

 

According to maritime tracking data and shipping sources, the tanker Yuan Gui Yang, loaded with Basra crude oil, had remained in the Persian Gulf since February 27 following its cargo operation. The vessel successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz yesterday after weeks of delay.

 

Reuters and maritime analytics firm Pole Star Global reported that the tanker navigated through a route designated by Iranian authorities near Larak Island, north of the international traffic separation scheme.

 

Reports indicate that Iran maintains full control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and all vessels transiting the strategic waterway are required to coordinate and obtain authorization. The Chinese tanker reportedly completed its passage under such arrangements.

 

After entering the Gulf of Oman, the vessel also crossed what has been described as the “Yellow Buffer Zone,” an area monitored by U.S. naval forces, before continuing its voyage toward Chinese ports.

 

The transit comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing efforts by the United States to maintain a naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these conditions, both the Chinese tanker and a South Korean vessel reportedly managed to pass through the strait in recent days.

 

Shipping data shows that the Yuan Gui Yang is expected to arrive on June 4 at Shuidong Port near Maoming in China’s southern Guangdong province, where it will unload its cargo.

 

Since the outbreak of regional conflict on February 28, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, leaving dozens of vessels carrying millions of barrels of oil stranded in the Persian Gulf.

 

Reports suggest that around 200 ships and nearly 20,000 crew members have faced prolonged delays across regional ports during this period.

 

Meanwhile, around 30 commercial vessels have reportedly been coordinating passage through the Strait of Hormuz since last night, with many expected to transit the waterway by the end of the day.

 

Analysts say the renewed movement of oil tankers could signal easing tensions and a gradual return to normal energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.