According to a report by Bloomberg on Saturday, a second oil tanker dispatched by a Greek shipowner has passed through the Hormuz Strait, breaking the cautious expectations of the shipping industry. This comes after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the region following attacks by Israel and the United States.
Data compiled by Bloomberg shows that the oil tanker named “Smyrni,” operated by Dynacom Tankers Management Ltd. based in Athens, Greece, emitted a signal on Saturday morning indicating its location near Mumbai. Its previous signal on Tuesday (10th) showed it was inside the Persian Gulf.
It is likely that the oil tanker may have switched off its transponder during the journey.
Traders are closely monitoring the situation in the Hormuz Strait as this global key oil shipping route has effectively been closed to most vessels since the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28. This has disrupted Middle Eastern oil exports, filled up oil storage tanks, and forced producers to reduce production.
Dynacom company declined to comment.
Earlier this month, the company also dispatched another oil tanker named “the Shenlong” which also passed through the narrow strait of the Hormuz Strait.
Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has attacked several vessels, including those passing through the Hormuz Strait, and the energy infrastructure of neighboring countries. Traffic through the strait is currently at a standstill.
On Saturday (March 14), U.S. President Trump invited multiple countries to send warships to escort through the Hormuz Strait to prevent threats from Iran.
Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, saying: “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempts to block the Hormuz Strait, will send warships with the United States to ensure the passage and security of the strait.”
The President called Iran a “completely destroyed country.” He said, “We have completely destroyed Iran’s military capabilities, but even in their defeat, they can still easily send out one or two drones, deploy mines, or launch short-range missiles along the coast or within the Hormuz Strait.”
Currently, the number of oil tankers passing through the strait has plummeted from the usual dozens per day to less than a handful, approaching zero. Several shipping companies have announced suspensions of passage through the strait, and maritime insurers have canceled war risk coverage, leading to a commercial shipping standstill.
Trump has consistently urged for measures to ensure the smooth passage of the Hormuz Strait.