Which three supertankers are attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz, and what are their national affiliations, cargo origins, and destinations?

The three supertankers are: (1) Universal Winner, a South Korean-flagged very large crude carrier owned by HMM Co., carrying Kuwaiti crude and signaling Ulsan, South Korea as its destination; (2) Ocean Lily, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel owned by Able Best Development Ltd. and managed by Sinochem Shipping Co. Hainan (a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned Sinochem Corporation), carrying crude from Qatar and Iraq and signaling Quanzhou, China as its destination; and (3) Yuan Gui Yang, owned and managed by Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation (a unit of Beijing-backed Cosco Shipping), carrying Iraqi oil and signaling Shuidong, southern China as its destination.

What recent security incident involving HMM Co. is mentioned, and how does it relate to the Universal Winner’s current transit attempt?

A bulk carrier owned by HMM Co. was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month; the Universal Winner — also owned by HMM Co. — is now attempting a transit of the same waterway, marking the first known attempt by a South Korean-flagged supertanker since the Middle East war began at the end of February.

South Korean, Chinese Supertankers Attempt Strait of Hormuz Exit

May 19, 2026

South Korean and Chinese supertankers carrying Middle Eastern crude attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a surge in oil flows since the regional conflict began. Operated by major firms like HMM, Sinochem, and Cosco, the move highlights critical energy supply chain dynamics.

bloomberg

2026-05-19

Chinese Tankers Exit Strait of Hormuz with 4 Million Barrels of Crude Oil

2026-05-19

South Korean, Chinese Supertankers Attempt Strait of Hormuz Exit

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