The Aframax tanker Karachi has made history as the first non-Iranian cargo to transit the Strait of Hormuz while broadcasting its AIS signal.
The recent transit of the Aframax tanker Karachi through the Strait of Hormuz marks a significant development in marine traffic, as it is the first non-Iranian cargo to navigate this critical chokepoint while broadcasting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal. This event suggests that select shipments may be receiving negotiated safe passage amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The Karachi, a 237-metre long tanker with a draft of 11.5 metres, was carrying Abu Dhabi’s Das crude when it entered Iranian waters on March 11, 2026. After passing through the strait, the tanker was sailing in the Gulf of Oman at approximately 9.6 knots.
This transit follows weeks of significantly reduced marine traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and gas exports from Gulf countries, where one-fifth of global oil production typically passes. Since the onset of conflict on February 28, 2026, a total of 77 ships have passed through the strait.
However, the region has seen increased risks, with 20 commercial vessels, including nine tankers, having reported attacks or incidents since March 1, 2026. The heightened tensions have raised concerns about the safety of maritime operations in this strategic waterway.
Marine Traffic has noted that the Karachi’s successful transit could indicate a shift in the operational landscape, potentially allowing for more non-Iranian shipments to traverse the strait under protective measures.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring marine traffic patterns and the implications for global oil supply and security. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of negotiations that may have facilitated this transit.
