Three Saudi oil tankers carrying 6 million barrels cross Strait of Hormuz

• The three VLCCs (very large crude carriers) switched on their transponders Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, with vessels headed to Japan and South Korea
• Ship traffic remains subdued with no 'mass exodus' yet, despite the Trump-Iran deal, as more than 100 ships including dozens of tankers transited daily before the Iran war
• Each VLCC can carry approximately 2 million barrels of oil, representing significant cargo movement after a two-month period of hidden locations

Summary: Saudi Oil Tankers Cross Strait of Hormuz Following Trump-Iran Deal

Key Development:

Three Saudi Arabian supertankers carrying a combined 6 million barrels of oil have crossed the Strait of Hormuz after hiding their locations for over two months. The vessels activated their transponders Thursday in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first significant movement following a deal signed Wednesday between President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to reopen the strategic waterway.

Vessel Details:

The three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), each capable of transporting approximately 2 million barrels, include:

• The Shaden, bound for Kiire, Japan
• The Awtad, en route to Ulsan, South Korea
• The Jaham, destination currently unknown

Market Implications:

Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, normal shipping traffic has not yet resumed. According to Matt Smith, Kpler's director of commodity research, "The floodgates haven't opened, there is no mass exodus as yet," indicating continued shipper hesitancy. Prior to the Iran conflict, over 100 vessels—including dozens of tankers—transited Hormuz daily.

Strategic Context:

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil trade. The limited vessel movement suggests market participants remain cautious about the deal's durability and security conditions, potentially keeping oil supply concerns and price pressures elevated in the near term.

Current Status:

This remains a developing situation with shipping activity being closely monitored for signs of normalization in this vital energy transit route.