Discover the Agios-Fanourios-I: Ratings & Maritime News

**Title: Clearance Granted for Tanker 'Agios Fanourios I' to Resume Voyage** The 'Agios Fanourios I' has received essential approval from US authorities to proceed with its journey, as confirmed by its manager, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime based in Athens. Early on the morning of May 17, the fully loaded Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) navigated past the line of demarcation where the United States had implemented a blockade on Iranian shipping activities. Leaving the Persian Gulf just a week prior, the tanker successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz but faced a sudden change of course as it approached the US naval blockade in the Arabian Sea. Ship-tracking data indicated that the vessel retreated back into the Gulf of Oman upon nearing the restricted zone. This action was confirmed by US Central Command, which stated that the vessel was redirected to uphold the blockade. The buyer of the cargo, PetroVietnam Oil Corporation—the trading subsidiary of Vietnam’s national energy company—had taken proactive measures by sending a formal appeal to the United States for the tanker’s release. The company emphasized the crucial nature of the cargo for the Nghi Son Refinery, vital to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and its citizens. With clearance now secured, the 'Agios Fanourios I' is set to continue its significant mission.

**Title: Agios Fanourios I Altered Course After Strait of Hormuz Passage** In a notable development, the tanker **Agios Fanourios I** has adjusted its course after navigating the Strait of Hormuz, compliant with Iran's transit approval. The vessel, which had been making its way toward Oman, reduced its traveling speed from an initial 13 knots to a mere 1.2 knots by May 11. This change was observed shortly after the tanker barely skirted around the U.S. blockade line in the Gulf of Oman. Initially, the Agios Fanourios I appeared to be on a direct path back to Oman, cruising at a slower speed of five knots. Its last automatic identification system (AIS) updates indicated Vietnam as its intended destination, raising questions about its ultimate plans. Weeks before this turn, the tanker successfully entered the Gulf and loaded a shipment of crude oil at the **Basra Oil Terminal**. On May 11, Iranian officials confirmed that the tanker had received clearance for its journey. The Agios Fanourios I was one of the few vessels to traverse the Strait of Hormuz on May 11. On that same day, it reportedly turned back a second Qatari LNG carrier, the **Mihzem**, which, after earlier making its transit on May 10, was forced to withdraw, only to resume its journey as confirmation of the transit on May 12 showed the vessel progressing along the coast towards **Port Qasim**. As the situation evolves, the maritime industry continues to monitor vessel movements through this crucial chokepoint, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the region.

**Title: Tanker Successfully Navigates Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions** On May 10, 2026, a maritime milestone was reached as the tankers "Agios Fanourios I" and "Kiara M" (IMO: 9285823) successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, having temporarily disabled their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). This strategic move comes amidst growing tensions in the Persian Gulf, where oil producers and traders are striving to sustain their exports against a backdrop of uncertainty with Iran. Both vessels were loaded with approximately two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil each, underscoring their significance to the region’s oil supply chain. The "Agios Fanourios I" is en route to the Nghi Son refinery in Vietnam, with plans to arrive on May 26. Notably, this tanker had previously faced challenges, attempting to transit the Strait on at least two separate occasions after loading its cargo from the Basrah Offshore Oil Terminal on April 17. Meanwhile, the "Kiara M" also departed the Gulf with its tracking functionality turned off, leaving the ultimate destination of its cargo currently shrouded in mystery. As these tankers navigate one of the world’s busiest maritime passages, the implications for global oil markets remain significant, particularly in this era of heightened geopolitical tension.

**Title: VLCCs Redirected from Strait of Hormuz Amidst US-Iran Tensions** On April 12, 2026, two very large crude carriers (VLCCs), the 'Agios Fanourios I' and the 'Shalamar', were compelled to change course as they neared the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. This occurred following unsuccessful negotiations between the United States and Iran, resulting in heightened tensions in the region. The situation unfolded when three VLCCs, embarking from the Gulf of Oman late April 11, approached Larak Island—the noted checkpoint for vessels seeking passage into the strait. The 'Agios Fanourios I', destined for Iraq, and the 'Shalamar', heading towards Das Island, both opted for a safe retreat and executed a U-turn away from the strait. Meanwhile, the third tanker, the 'Mombasa B', chose to proceed and successfully navigated the Iran-approved passage between Larak and Qeshm islands into the Persian Gulf, though its final destination remained unspecified. It's noteworthy that both Iraq and Pakistan have previously secured permission from Iran to traverse this route. Remarkably, the 'Agios Fanourios I' had previously navigated the Strait of Hormuz on its second attempt, marking a significant milestone as it became the first crude oil carrier to make the journey westward since the United States imposed its blockade on Iranian ports.