First Non-Iranian Cargo Transits Strait of Hormuz with AIS on
The Aframax tanker Karachi becomes the first non-Iranian cargo vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz with its AIS active since the conflict began. As global oil traffic remains paralyzed, this passage suggests the emergence of "selective safe corridors" for vessels from neutral or allied nations like Pakistan and China.
In a significant development signaling potential selective safe passages through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the Aframax tanker Karachi, laden with Abu Dhabi's Das crude oil, has become the first non-Iranian cargo vessel to navigate the strategic chokepoint while broadcasting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal.
This transit suggests that certain shipments may be benefiting from negotiated arrangements amid the ongoing Iran war and reduced maritime traffic.
According to data from MarineTraffic, the 237-meter crude oil tanker entered Iran's Exclusive Economic Zone on March 15 at 11:33 UTC and successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz at 14:43 UTC.
The vessel is now proceeding through the Gulf of Oman at approximately 9.6 knots, having maintained its AIS active throughout the passage.
The Karachi, flagged under Liberia but owned by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, is en route to Karachi, Pakistan, with an expected arrival on March 17.
This event follows weeks of drastically curtailed traffic through the waterway, a critical artery for global oil supplies, where more than 20 long-range tankers have reportedly exited the Persian Gulf since the escalation of hostilities.
Prior transits, such as those by Indian-bound vessels earlier in March, often involved switching off AIS to avoid detection amid risks of attacks, GPS spoofing, and potential mining.
The Karachi's route, which hugged Iranian waters, has led to speculation of partial mining in the strait with controlled corridors for approved vessels.
The transit coincides with diplomatic gestures, including Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressing gratitude to Pakistan for its support against U.S. and Israeli actions.
This could indicate back-channel agreements allowing neutral or allied nations' shipments to proceed, even as overall commercial activity remains near zero, with no AIS-confirmed crossings reported on March 14.