Small Iran-linked LPG tanker tests US shipping blockade in Arabian Sea

A small liquefied petroleum gas tanker linked to Iran appeared to be testing an American maritime blockade Tuesday after moving beyond the Gulf of Oman and the US blockade line into the Arabian Sea, according to vessel-tracking data.

The G Summer, a US-sanctioned LPG carrier with a transport capacity of about 7,000 cubic meters, transmitted signals from the Arabian Sea, beyond the US blockade line, indicating it had an “all Chinese crew” on board.

Shipping analytics data showed Iran as the vessel’s last cargo country, while the tanker was broadcasting Galle, Sri Lanka, as its destination, a waypoint often used by ships heading onward to East Asia.

The development comes after the US expanded enforcement against Iranian shipping on April 13, covering all of Iran’s ports, as well as the Gulf of Oman and part of the Arabian Sea.

Since the measures took effect, Iran-linked vessels have entered the Persian Gulf, but none had previously sailed as far into the Arabian Sea as the G Summer, according to the tracking data.

On Sunday, the US Navy seized the first Iranian cargo ship since the blockade began. Iranian authorities have also directed at least 27 vessels to turn back or return to port since the start of the restrictions.

The G Summer’s route appears to show a rapid turnaround south of Iraq, an area where ship-to-ship transfers involving Iranian cargo have at times taken place.