The first Pakistani vessel to transit through the Strait of Hormuz following its closure has entered the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Oman and reached Pakistan’s maritime zone, carrying a consignment of 80 million litres of crude oil.

The oil tanker, MT Karachi, crossed the strategically sensitive route after Iran had shut it in the wake of attacks by the United States and Israel. It is the first Pakistani ship to successfully pass through the strait under the prevailing circumstances and enter the country’s territorial waters.

The vessel is scheduled to berth at Karachi port on Wednesday. Officials said MT Karachi was granted special permission by Iranian authorities to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, utilising Iranian territorial waters during its passage.

The Pakistan Navy provided maritime security to the vessel throughout its journey, ensuring safe navigation through the sensitive corridor. The tanker departed from Das Island port in the United Arab Emirates on February 28.

According to international media reports, payment for the crude oil carried by MT Karachi was made in Chinese currency.