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First non-Iranian VLCC exiting the strait of Hormuz

First non-Iranian VLCC exiting the strait of Hormuz

London, 2 April (Argus) — The first very large crude carriers (VLCC) carrying non-Iranian crude appears to have left the Mideast Gulf, the first since the start of the US-Iran war on 28 February, with a second close behind. The Dhalkut , operated by Trafigura according to the vessel's Q88 documentation, largely cleared the strait and was heading eastward as of 2 April. The Habrut , operated by Sinokor according to Q88 data, was on a similar path during the same timeframe. These could be the first two non-Iranian VLCCs to exit the Mideast Gulf since the war began over a month ago, a potential sign of Iran relaxing restrictions on ship movements. Both tankers are signalling Ras Markuz in Oman as their destination, which is a common method being used by ships in the Mideast Gulf to identify the nationality of the vessel and reduce the likelihood of attack by Iranian forces — but it is unlikely to be the vessels' final destination. The Dhalkat loaded Arab Heavy and Arab Medium crude on 26 February from Juaymah while the Habrut loaded Murban crude on 17 March from Jebel Dhanna, Kpler data show, and both have remained inside the Mideast Gulf since. When the Dhalkat first loaded before the war broke out, it appeared to indicate Myanmar as a destination, vessel tracking data show, and it may proceed there after exiting the strait. At least 14 VLCCs have left the strait of Hormuz since the start of March, according to Kpler data, all loaded from Kharg Island or the FPSO Soroosh , both controlled by Iran. Recently, traffic through the strait has been steady, Another seven vessels crossed on Wednesday, the same as on Tuesday. Three vessels exited the Mideast Gulf, and four vessels entered, transiting westbound through the channel, according to vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic. More notably, two ultra-large container carriers linked to China's Cosco — the CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean — which abandoned attempts to transit on 27 March, transited the strait earlier in the week. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said that day that its navy had turned back three container ships attempting to pass through the strait. By Rhys van Dinther Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.