Iran-Linked Ships Enter Gulf via New Route as Hormuz Traffic Falls

(MENAFN) Several vessels linked to Iran and under US sanctions were observed entering the Gulf on Thursday via what appears to be an unusual route near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, amid a noticeable slowdown in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data.

The movement comes as reports indicate reduced passage through the strategic waterway during what is described as a period of heightened disruption. Two sanctioned vessels—the liquefied petroleum gas carrier G Summer and the large crude tanker Hong Lu (also known as RHN)—were seen entering the Gulf after departing from the UAE and sailing close to Iran’s coastline before passing through Hormuz.

The G Summer, which was not carrying cargo, broadcast Chinese ownership and crew information, a standard maritime safety practice, while listing Iraq’s Khor Al Zubair port as its intended destination.

The Hong Lu, also empty and previously sanctioned by Washington over alleged ties to Iran, followed a similar path shortly afterward. The vessel, capable of carrying up to 2 million barrels of crude, was later observed moving westward along Iran’s coast while indicating it was awaiting further instructions.

A separate bulk carrier, Rosalina, was also reported to have taken the same route earlier, signaling a destination at an Iranian port while carrying food supplies.

Meanwhile, limited outbound activity continued in the region, with two Iran-linked container ships, Golbon and Kashan, seen leaving the Gulf on Wednesday.

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