THE crude oil tanker Ocean Thunder has arrived at the Pengerang Terminal and is now safely berthed.
Vessel tracking data confirmed that the very large crude carrier (VLCC) has entered the final approach phase under the control of the port pilot to the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC), where it is berthed at a dedicated crude handling berth.
The chartered vessel, loaded with about one million barrels of Basrah, Iraq heavy crude oil, had previously reduced speed to near zero at the eastern edge of the traffic separation scheme.
The port’s movement pattern showed a standard berthing sequence, with the 274-metre tanker being guided into position before berthing next to the jetty in the high-security industrial complex.
The Ocean Thunder departed Al Basrah, Iraq, in early March, carrying Basrah heavy crude.
The tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on April 5, a critical global bottleneck that is currently tense due to tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Only a handful of Malaysian-linked ships have managed to navigate the route in recent weeks.
The Ocean Thunder is among those allowed to pass through the route following a diplomatic agreement, with Iraqi crude reportedly exempted from certain transit restrictions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said one of seven Malaysian-linked fuel tankers that passed through the Strait of Hormuz was damaged and unable to depart port.
All seven ships had been permitted by Iran.- April 18, 2026