First Pakistani Oil Tanker Reaches Home Waters After Crossing Strait of Hormuz

A Pakistani oil tanker carrying around 80 million litres of crude oil has reached Pakistan’s maritime zone after successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Pakistani vessel to pass through the strategic waterway following its closure amid regional tensions.

The tanker, MT Karachi, has now reached Pakistan’s maritime zone after passing through the Gulf of Oman and is scheduled to berth at the Port of Karachi on Wednesday, according to officials.

The passage came after Iran closed the strait in response to attacks by the United States and Israel, heightening tensions in one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

Officials said Iranian authorities granted special permission for the vessel to transit through the strait, allowing it to use Iranian territorial waters during the journey.

The Pakistan Navy provided maritime security for the tanker as it transited the sensitive corridor, ensuring safe navigation.

The vessel departed from Das Island in the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 28.

According to international media reports, payment for the crude oil cargo was made in Chinese yuan, which highlights the growing role of alternative settlement arrangements in regional energy trade amid heightened geopolitical tensions.