Two Hong Kong-flagged supertankers halt transit through the key oil chokepoint amid rising regional tensions.
Two Chinese-owned very large crude carriers reversed direction in the Strait of Hormuz, remaining idle in the waterway. Ship-tracking data showed the vessels, including the Hong Kong-flagged Sea V, turned back after entering the strait, a critical route for global oil supplies.
The Sea V loaded crude in Iraq and began transit yesterday, while the Hestia entered the Persian Gulf earlier this week. Both vessels are linked to Chinese ownership, with one crewed by Chinese nationals. The strait handles about 20% of the world’s oil trade.
No immediate market reaction was reported, but the reversals highlight growing risks in the region.