SINGAPORE/ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani-flagged oil tanker, Shalamar, has successfully exited the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data from Kpler and LSEG.
The Aframax vessel departed the Gulf on Thursday loaded with approximately 440,000 barrels of Abu Dhabi’s Das Blend crude. The cargo was reportedly lifted earlier this week from a terminal operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Managed by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, the tanker is en route to Karachi, where it is expected to offload its cargo on April 19.
Shalamar was one of two Pakistani vessels that entered the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week to load crude and refined products. Its safe transit comes amid heightened tensions and stricter maritime controls in the region.
Shipping activity in the vital النفط corridor has slowed significantly following a US-imposed blockade linked to the ongoing Iran–US conflict. The United States Navy has expanded enforcement measures, warning that vessels suspected of carrying contraband or attempting to access Iranian waters could be stopped and searched.
According to United States Central Command, at least 14 vessels have already altered course within 72 hours of the blockade’s enforcement to comply with US directives.
Despite the challenging environment, the successful passage of the Shalamar underscores Pakistan’s continued engagement in securing vital energy supplies amid regional uncertainty.
By Reuters
