Historic Passage: First Non-Iranian Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz with AIS Active

In a groundbreaking maritime event, the Aframax tanker 'Karachi' has become the first non-Iranian vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz while its AIS tracking system was active. This significant passage, transporting Das crude oil from Abu Dhabi, suggests that select shipments may have negotiated safe passage through this critical waterway. The tanker successfully navigated the Iranian Exclusive Economic Zone and is currently sailing in the Gulf of Oman. This event follows a period of reduced traffic in the Strait, highlighting its strategic importance in global shipping.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 20:35 IST

Significant Maritime Event

The Aframax tanker named 'Karachi', registered under the Pakistani flag and transporting Das crude oil from Abu Dhabi, has made history by being the first non-Iranian vessel to navigate the Strait of Hormuz while its AIS tracking system was operational. Marine Traffic reported this milestone on social media, stating, "First non-Iranian cargo transits Strait of Hormuz with AIS on." This indicates that certain shipments might have secured negotiated safe passage through the strategic waterway.

On March 15, the 237-meter tanker entered the Iranian Exclusive Economic Zone at 11:33 UTC and successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz at 14:43 UTC. Currently, the vessel is navigating the Gulf of Oman at a speed of approximately 9.6 knots, having completed its transit with the AIS signal active. This event comes after a period of notably diminished traffic in this crucial maritime corridor, with over 20 long-range tankers reported to have departed the Gulf recently.

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