Third Turkish-Owned Tanker Ocean Thunder Safely Clears Strait of Hormuz
JUST IN: Vessel Carrying Iraqi Crude to Malaysia Transits Amid Selective Iranian Exemptions as Türkiye Secures Passage for More Ships
Reflecto News – A third Turkish-owned tanker, the Ocean Thunder, successfully cleared the Strait of Hormuz overnight, according to shipping data and confirmation from Turkish officials. The Suezmax vessel was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah Heavy crude, loaded on March 2 from Iraq, and is bound for discharge in Pengerang, Malaysia, expected in mid-April.
The passage occurred close to the Iranian coast, following Iran’s recent exemption for Iraqi-linked shipments. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu confirmed the safe transit, bringing the total number of Turkish-owned or operated vessels that have exited the Gulf area since the conflict began in late February 2026 to three.
Details of the Transit
- Ocean Thunder: Managed by a Turkey-based company (Onn Denizcilik ve Danışmanlık), the tanker navigated a northerly route through Iranian waters. It was chartered by Petco, a unit of Malaysian state energy firm Petronas.
- Cargo: Loaded with Iraqi crude, benefiting from Iran’s exemption announced for “brotherly” Iraq, allowing such shipments to continue despite the broader blockade affecting vessels linked to the US, Israel, or their allies.
- Route: The vessel passed near the Iranian coast, consistent with recent selective clearances reported by shipping trackers like LSEG and Kpler.
This marks the latest successful transit amid Iran’s policy of restricting “hostile” shipping while permitting certain exemptions for friendly or neutral-linked vessels.
Türkiye’s Ongoing Efforts
When the conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, approximately 15 Turkish-owned vessels were in the region. Turkish authorities have been actively coordinating with Iranian officials and using diplomatic channels to secure safe passage.
- With the Ocean Thunder’s exit, three vessels have now safely departed.
- 12 ships remain in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz or Persian Gulf.
- Of the remaining vessels, around 8–9 have formally requested exit, while others are engaged in ongoing operations (including some involved in power generation or regional trade) and are not seeking immediate departure.
Minister Uraloğlu stated that Türkiye continues diplomatic efforts, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, to facilitate the safe exit of the remaining ships. Earlier transits by other Turkish-linked vessels were also achieved through direct contacts and by highlighting non-hostile status or use of Iranian ports.
Broader Shipping Situation in the Gulf
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted for many international vessels, particularly those perceived as linked to countries involved in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. While selective passages — including for Iraqi, Malaysian-linked, and certain Turkish or neutral ships — have occurred, the overall disruption has stranded hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers across the Persian Gulf.
Iran has maintained the blockade as leverage in the ongoing conflict, though exemptions for Iraqi oil and select friendly shipping have allowed limited flows to continue. Global energy markets remain volatile, with rerouting via Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea ports or other alternatives being explored by some importers.
Context Within the Wider Conflict
This development occurs against the backdrop of intense diplomatic activity, including Pakistan-brokered ceasefire proposals and US warnings regarding the strait. President Trump has set a Tuesday deadline for reopening the waterway, threatening severe consequences if unmet, while mediators report continued backchannel efforts.
Iran’s selective clearances highlight its strategy of differentiating between “hostile” and permitted traffic, complicating efforts for a full reopening.
What Happens Next?
Turkish authorities will continue monitoring and advocating for the remaining 12 vessels. Key factors to watch include:
- Further Iranian exemptions or clearances for additional ships.
- Impact on global oil supply chains, particularly Iraqi exports.
- Progress (or lack thereof) in broader ceasefire talks that could lead to unrestricted navigation.
- Any shifts in shipping patterns or alternative routes being activated.
Reflecto News will continue tracking maritime developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the status of stranded vessels, and their implications for regional stability and global energy security. The safe passage of the Ocean Thunder offers a small but notable relief for Turkish shipping interests amid the ongoing crisis.