Which Chinese supertanker was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and what cargo was it carrying?

The Chinese Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Yuan Hua Hu was attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi Basrah Medium crude loaded at Iraq's Basrah terminal in early March.

What does the Yuan Hua Hu's attempted passage signify in the context of recent geopolitical developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz?

The Yuan Hua Hu's attempted passage marks the third known transit by a Chinese oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on February 28, and occurs amid reports that Iran has recently strengthened its control over the strait—evidenced by new oil and LNG shipping deals with Iraq and Pakistan—which could normalize Tehran's de facto authority over the waterway.

Chinese Supertanker Attempts Hormuz Passage, Data Show

May 13, 2026

A Chinese supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, marking the third known passage since late February. The vessel is operated by COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation and chartered by Sinopec's Unipec.

reuters

2026-05-13

Chinese Supertanker Attempts Hormuz Passage, Data Show

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