Chinese container ship becomes second vessel to pay Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz

The Chinese feeder container ship Newvoyager passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past weekend, becoming the first vessel owned by a mainland Chinese-registered company to pay Iran for transit through the so-called “safe” corridor near Larak Island, according to the analytics firm Lloyd’s List. Earlier last week, the first ship to make such a payment was a tanker, reportedly paying $2 million to Iran.

According to vessel databases, Newvoyager, flying the Panamanian flag, is owned by Bengbu Shengda Transportation from Anhui Province, China, with management handled by United Pioneer Shipping based in Shanghai. The ship’s ultimate beneficial owner remains unknown. The transit was arranged through a Chinese maritime service company, which also facilitated the payment to Iranian authorities; the exact amount and payment method were not disclosed.

Newvoyager’s passage marks the second confirmed instance of a vessel paying for transit through the “safe” corridor near Larak Island. Currently, over 20 ships are using this route, mostly Greek-owned, with additional vessels from India, Pakistan, Syria, and Iran itself.

Iranian authorities consider transit requests on a case-by-case basis, although some governments, including India, are negotiating for bulk clearances. AIS tracking shows that Newvoyager activated its automatic identification system near Larak Island on March 22 at 07:30 local time and sailed along Iran’s southern coast, transmitting the message “DUQM ALL CREW CHINA.”

The vessel departed Jebel Ali on February 21, was recorded at the Bandar Abbas port anchorage on March 2, and is currently in the Gulf of Oman bound for the port of Duqm. Newvoyager’s transit demonstrates how China leverages private routes and services to ensure safe passage through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid geopolitical tensions.

Tags: Iran, Hormuz