site.btaThird Turkish Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Says

A third vessel owned by a Turkish company has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on his official Facebook profile. The ship was carrying crude oil from Iraq to Malaysia.

"Following our joint efforts with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last night we ensured the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and exit from the Persian Gulf of the vessel Ocean Thunder, owned by a Turkish company and loaded with crude oil from Iraq to Turkiye," the Minister said.

Uraloglu added that the number of ships currently around the Strait of Hormuz has decreased to 12, while eight vessels are still awaiting passage.

"We continue our efforts to ensure the safe transit of the eight ships and their 156 crew members," he wrote.

He said the Transport Ministry and the Foreign Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation involving Turkish vessels and seafarers.

Shipping through the strait remains far below normal levels following the conflict in Iran, which began on February 28 after attacks by Israel and the United States. Traffic through the strategic waterway, normally accounting for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, was suspended by Iranian authorities after the outbreak of hostilities.