On October 10, 2023, U.S. forces targeted the commercial oil tanker Ocean Molica (also known as Akira Sun) in the Gulf of Oman. This action was taken due to alleged violations of sanctions imposed on Iran. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the tanker, which was flying the Panamanian flag, was attacked by an American fighter jet after ignoring several warnings.
Details of the Attack on the Tanker
The attack on the Ocean Molica tanker occurred at the rear of the vessel and completely disabled its propulsion system, without harming the crew. Reports indicate that this tanker had recently left an Iranian port and was heading towards the Gulf of Oman. This event reflects the escalation of U.S. military actions aimed at enforcing maritime sanctions against Iran, which have been seriously re-initiated since July 14, 2023.
Read more: Iranian Oil Tanker on Sanctioned Route Heading to China
Background of the Ocean Molica Tanker
The Ocean Molica tanker, built in 1996 and with a capacity of 70,000 tons, is owned by China, specifically its Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This tanker has previously attracted attention due to inspection deficiencies at Chinese ports. Since the change of ownership in mid-2023, this vessel has primarily been operating between China and the Middle East.
Investigations show that the Ocean Molica has been present in the Gulf of Oman since mid-August 2023 and had been anchored near the port of Fujairah for an extended period. AIS (Automatic Identification System) data indicates that this tanker had attempted to exit the Gulf of Oman at least three times prior, but this time its attempt to leave went undetected. The tanker apparently managed to approach the shores of the Arabian Sea of Oman, where it was attacked.
After the attack, the AIS system of the Ocean Molica was reactivated, and data shows that the tanker was slowly moving northeast. Available information indicates that the Ocean Molica, under Chinese ownership and management, with a history of inspection issues, has been continuously trading between China and the Middle East.
Read more: Diongas Orders Four LNG Tankers Worth $1 Billion from Samsung · Cargo of Sanctioned Tankers Identified on New Routes
