A Chinese oil tanker was attacked in the waters at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there were Chinese crew members on board, and no crew casualties have been reported so far.
On May 8, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian held a regular press conference. During the meeting, a Reuters reporter asked: Reports say a large product tanker owned by a Chinese company was attacked this week off the coast of Al Jazeera Port in the UAE at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire on the deck. It is reported that the vessel was marked with “Chinese owner and crew” information when attacked. Can the Chinese side provide more information on this incident? Additionally, what measures is China taking to ensure the safety of its vessels?
In response, Lin Jian said: “According to the information currently available, the attacked vessel is of Marshall Islands registry and had Chinese crew members on board. As of now, no crew casualties have been reported from the vessel.”
Lin Jian pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz is a strait used for international navigation. China expresses deep concern over the large number of vessels and crew trapped in the strait due to the conflict, and believes that restoring smooth passage through the strait and ensuring the safety of civilian vessels and crew as soon as possible serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community. China calls on all parties to take practical measures to avoid the deterioration of the situation in the strait. China is willing to work with the international community to continue efforts to stop the war, promote talks, and de-escalate the situation in the strait.
It is understood that the attacked vessel is the 45,000 DWT /chemical tanker “JV Innovation”. The ship reported a deck fire to nearby vessels on May 4, and the incident occurred in Gulf waters near Mina Saqr off the coast of the UAE.
At the time of the incident, the vessel’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) information displayed “CHINA OWNER&CREW”.
Clarksons data shows that the owner information of “JV Innovation” is unknown, and the lessor is Shanghai Ronghe Electric Technology Financial Leasing.
This is the first time a Chinese oil tanker has been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, Iran has repeatedly warned that the Strait of Hormuz is in a state of war and that transiting vessels may be hit by artillery shells or drones. However, a small number of Chinese vessels were previously selectively allowed to pass through the strait successfully.
