A Pakistan-flagged tanker has emerged as the first vessel to depart the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz with a crude oil shipment following the imposition of a US naval blockade earlier this week. The Aframax tanker Shalamar, owned and operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, sailed south of Iran’s Larak Island late Thursday, entering the Gulf of Oman.
The tanker was transporting roughly 450,000 barrels of Abu Dhabi’s Das Blend crude oil, loaded at Das Island in the United Arab Emirates. Shipping data from tracking services such as Kpler and LSEG confirmed the vessel’s movement, which took place despite a significant decline in maritime traffic through this crucial maritime passage. The Shalamar’s declared destination is Karachi, and it was only partially loaded during the transit.
The US blockade, initiated on Monday, targets ships docking at Iranian ports as part of efforts to exert pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions and stalled ceasefire negotiations. US naval forces have reportedly intercepted and turned back multiple vessels suspected of involvement in Iranian trade, issuing warnings that any ship attempting to access Iranian territory may be subject to inspection.
While several tankers have entered the Gulf since the blockade began, outbound crude shipments have been notably scarce. The Shalamar’s successful passage, along with that of another Pakistani-flagged vessel entering the Gulf over the weekend, underscores the highly selective nature of current shipping operations in the region.
Industry experts point out that even cargoes unrelated to Iran face increased risks, with war-risk insurance premiums remaining high and many shipping operators avoiding the strait altogether.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global energy corridor, typically handling about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. The current disruption has sparked concerns about potential supply shortages and price fluctuations, although the Shalamar’s cargo originated from the UAE rather than Iran.
Pakistan, which has maintained a neutral diplomatic stance in the region, has not issued any official statement regarding the tanker’s transit. The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation also did not immediately respond to inquiries.
This incident highlights the delicate balance of maritime activity in the Gulf, where commercial shipping continues on a limited scale despite mounting geopolitical pressures. Future vessel movements will be closely monitored for indications of whether normal crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz can resume.
