Strait of hormuz: Two empty US-sanctioned very large crude carriers (VLCCs), Alicia and RHN, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf over the past 24 hours, in a sign that shadow-fleet movements tied to Iranian crude exports are continuing despite heightened enforcement pressure in the Gulf.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Alicia, a VLCC with a capacity of roughly 2 million barrels, was reported entering the Gulf through Hormuz while sailing empty. Tracking data indicated the vessel was heading inward after prior activity linked to Iranian oil trades. Similarly, public tanker-tracking services showed RHN, another sanctioned VLCC with similar carrying capacity, near the Strait of Hormuz heading toward Iranian waters. Public sanctions-tracking databases have identified RHN as subject to US sanctions related to Iran oil activities.

If both Alicia and RHN load full cargoes, they could jointly carry about 4 million barrels of crude, suggesting a cargo value of approximately $400 million at $100 per barrel. The movements are taking place as shipping through Hormuz remains highly disrupted following a blockade imposed by Washington. This blockade targets vessels calling at Iranian ports after the failure of US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global seaborne oil flows, remains at the center of the latest energy disruptions. These disruptions were further exacerbated by the onset of the war on February 28.