Full Breakdown
Chinese Super-Tankers Resume Transit Through the Strait of Hormuz
5/22/2026, 8:56:54 AM
War-Induced Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
The war between the United States and Israel on Iran, launched on 28 February 2026, forced a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Daily passages fell from 125-140 pre-war to about ten, leaving roughly 20,000 seafarers stranded on hundreds of vessels inside the Gulf. Iran ordered all ships to use the strait; the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Chinese-Flagged VLCCs Resume Transit
In late May, two Chinese-flagged VLCCs exited the strait. Yuan Gui Yang (Unipec) carried 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude loaded 27 Feb; Ocean Lily (Sinochem) held 1 million barrels each of Qatari al-Shaheen and Iraqi Basrah crude loaded late Feb–early Mar. Yuan Gui Yang heads to Shuidong (Guangdong), Ocean Lily to Quanzhou (Fujian). South Korean VLCC Universal Winner moved 2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude to Ulsan.
Cargo Volumes, Backlog Relief and Market Impact
The two VLCCs moved ~4 million barrels, reducing a 6-million-barrel backlog. Tracking shows ten vessels daily; Iran permits up to 30, while 47 ships were seen in dark mode and other sources cite ~100 immobilised tankers. Brent fell to $110.16 per barrel after the exits, but analysts expect prices to stay high. The UN cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5 % due to higher energy costs.
Official Statements and Diplomatic Signals
The Joint Maritime Information Center warned of a high-risk operating environment after recent attacks. Shipping groups issued guidance on hazards, aggressive Iranian hailing and congestion. U.S. officials expressed optimism: the President said the war could end quickly, and the Vice President said negotiations are progressing. Iran said up to 30 vessels may transit.
Industry Criticism and Safety Concerns
Ship broker Fearnleys said the stalled talks have disappointed stakeholders and that reopening the waterway is essential for shipping and the global economy. The risk alert and dozens of dark-mode vessels highlight safety concerns. Analysts warn oil supply will not quickly return to pre-war levels, keeping Brent prices vulnerable.
On-the-Ground Vessel Crossings
Satellite data showed the Chinese-operated container ship Zhong Gu Nan Chang crossed the strait on 21 May. Approximately 20,000 crew remain aboard stranded vessels awaiting clearance.
Conflicting Reports and Data Gaps
Iran says up to 30 vessels may transit, but tracking shows only ten have done so in the past 24 hours. Reports of 47 dark-mode ships contrast with estimates of about 100 immobilised tankers, highlighting uncertainty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The operating environment remains high risk based upon recent attacks on ships in the area,” — Joint Maritime Information Center, U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center
- “We’ve been disappointed before,” — Fearnleys, ship broker
- “very quickly” and “hopefully … in a very nice manner.” — President Donald Trump, addressing U.S. lawmakers
- “Multiple instances of aggressive hailing and assertive action by Iranian units have been ?noted in the last 48 hours.” — Joint Maritime Information Center, U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center
Outlook: Prospects for Traffic and Economic Recovery
Negotiators say talks are progressing, but no formal agreement exists. A deal could gradually increase traffic, though analysts caution oil supply may not normalize quickly. The UN’s lowered growth forecast underscores the broader economic stakes of prolonged disruption.
