Two Oil Tankers Attempt Hormuz Exit After US Announces Blockade

The New Future (in white) and Auroura (blue) appear to be attempting a transit through the Strait of Hormuz just south of Iran's Larak island on Monday morning. Source: BloombergArticle content(Bloomberg) — Two fuel tankers are attempting to exit the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz by sailing close to the Iranian coast, the first vessels to try and pass through the waterway since the US announced a blockade. Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe New Future, which has no clear links to Iran, and the US-sanctioned Auroura, began moving northeast early Monday from waters off the United Arab Emirates, ship-tracking data show. The medium-range tankers appear to be taking a route just south of Iran’s Larak island, a passage that Tehran has in recent days said vessels attempting an eastward transit should follow.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentPresident Donald Trump announced Sunday the US would begin a full blockade of the areas around the Strait of Hormuz, after talks between Tehran and Washington fell apart over the weekend. The restrictions, which apply to all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas, come after the Islamic Republic’s tightening grip over the vital waterway since the start of the war caused maritime traffic to plunge. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentThere was confusion over when the US action would start. Trump said in a social-media post the US Navy would begin the process of blockading the strait immediately, while the US military said it would commence the blockade at 10 a.m. New York time on Monday.Article contentThe ships’ progress is being closely watched as the US and Iran vie for control over the chokepoint, though which around a fifth of the world’s oil used to flow. Vessels have been targeted or attacked by Tehran in recent weeks for their links to Western countries or ownership, while Trump’s latest move is aimed at challenging the Islamic Republic’s control of the strait and depriving it of energy revenue.Article contentArticle contentThe New Future is indicating that it’s headed for Sohar, an Omani port, the ship-tracking data show. It’s carrying more than 330,000 barrels of gasoil that was loaded at Hamriyah, a port in the United Arab Emirates, in early April. The vessel entered the gulf shortly before the start of war in late February.Article contentThe Marshall Islands-flagged vessel is owned and managed by Hong Kong Chuanglang Shipping, according to maritime database Equasis. A call made to Chuanglang’s listed phone number did not get through, with the operator saying it had not paid its phone bills. The company did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.Article contentThe Panama-flagged Auroura is signaling that it has Indian crew on board, in what has become a commonly seen tactic that vessels use as they transit Hormuz to show their affiliations. The ship was sanctioned by the US in December for its links to the Iranian oil trade. Bloomberg News couldn’t immediately verify where the tanker had loaded its cargo from. The ship has been in the gulf since December.Article contentIts owner is listed as Aurora Shipowners Ltd., which is based in Mumbai and shares the same address as its manager, Golden Gate Ship Management. There were no contact details listed for either company.Article contentTrending GFL Said to Near Deal to Buy Secure Waste for Over $4.3 Billion PMN Business Posthaste: More Canadians desperate for tax refund to plug holes in their finances News Oil Tankers U-Turn in Hormuz as US-Iran Talks Break Down PMN Business This creative money transfer strategy among family members could raise red flags with CRA Personal Finance How the global energy crisis is shaking Canada from coast to coast — and could leave a lasting legacy Oil & Gas Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. GFL Said to Near Deal to Buy Secure Waste for Over $4.3 Billion PMN Business Posthaste: More Canadians desperate for tax refund to plug holes in their finances News Oil Tankers U-Turn in Hormuz as US-Iran Talks Break Down PMN Business This creative money transfer strategy among family members could raise red flags with CRA Personal Finance How the global energy crisis is shaking Canada from coast to coast — and could leave a lasting legacy Oil & Gas