Several China-linked supertankers turn back in or near the Strait of Hormuz, tracking data show
Confirmedon verified, dated visual or sensor evidence: 1 distinct origin, 1 tied to no party, with visual or sensor evidence.
Bloomberg, republished by gCaptain, reported that ship-tracking data showed the Iraqi-crude-laden VLCC Sea V turning around on 18 August before the strait and idling at its entrance, the VLCC Hestia entering along the Omani coast early on 19 August and then sailing out, and the Iraq-bound Erecter also reversing course. The tankers were flagged to Hong Kong and broadcast that they had Chinese crews. Bloomberg said the reason for the course changes was unclear and that visible traffic had slowed to a trickle; two other VLCCs crossed with transponders off.
- When
- 19 August 2026
- Where
- Strait of Hormuz, No single country
- What
- shipping disruption
- Attribution
- Not attributed. Course changes with no stated cause.
- In the record
- Published 2026-10-27 21:03 UTC · revision 1 · backfilled
Sources
- Sensor data gCaptain
History
| When | Field | From | To | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-27 21:03 UTC | status | null | confirmed | P1 backfilled: researched from cited sources and graded by the one rule |
Cite or reuse
The War Record, "Several China-linked supertankers turn back in or near the Strait of Hormuz, tracking data show", ev-20261027-m8w5, revision 1, https://thewarrecord.com/events/ev-20261027-m8w5/