Iran allows Russian-flagged tanker through Strait of Hormuz for first time

A Russian-flagged tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf.

Bloomberg reports.

The supertanker Archimedes passed west through the strait late on April 9. The ship, in ballast, indicated that its destination was Kharg Island in Iran, the Islamic Republic’s main oil export hub.

In January, the Archimedes was reflagged to the Russian Federation, becoming one of only four VLCC tankers flying the Russian flag. Some of the “shadow fleet” vessels have reflagged to Russia amid the US blockade of Venezuela and the seizure of tankers.

According to the Equasis database, the Archimedes is owned and operated by Egir Shipping Ltd., a Seychelles-based company. It is linked to other entities under US sanctions. The technical manager is Pro Ocean Management LLC (Azerbaijan).

USM previously reported that Trump is demanding that Europe take on commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz.