Shipping data revealed that a Chinese 'tanker' sanctioned by the United States sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on a Tuesday despite the U.S. blocking the choke point.

Data from LSEG MarineTraffic, Kpler and?MarineTraffic showed that the Rich Starry was the first vessel to leave the Gulf and make it across the strait since the blockade started.

The United States sanctioned the tanker and its owner Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd for their dealings with Iran. It was not possible to reach the company for comment.

Rich Starry, a medium-range?tanker?that carries about 250,000 barrels methanol?on board?, according to the data. The data showed that it loaded the cargo at its last port, Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates.

Data showed that the Chinese tanker had Chinese crew aboard. Reporting by Florence Tan in Singapore and Mariko?Katsumura in Tokyo, with editing by Himani Sarkar and Jamie Freed

(source: Reuters)