First Japan-Linked Crude Tanker Transits Hormuz Since Conflict

A Panama-flagged very large crude carrier, the Idemitsu Maru, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on April 28, marking the first such passage by a Japan-linked crude tanker since the U.S.-Iran conflict erupted on February 28. The vessel, managed by a unit of Japanese refiner Idemitsu Kosan, carried approximately 2 million barrels of Saudi crude loaded from terminals including Ras Tanura and Juaymah in early March.

Ship-tracking data from services such as LSEG and MarineTraffic showed the tanker departing from near Abu Dhabi after anchoring for over a week, passing 30 kilometers east of Iran's Larak Island with its Automatic Identification System active. It followed designated shipping lanes without reported interference, continuing eastward, possibly toward China. Idemitsu Kosan declined to comment on the individual voyage.

The transit comes amid severe disruptions in the strait, through which about one-fifth of global petroleum liquids flow. Before the conflict, 125 to 140 vessels crossed daily in both directions. Recent data indicated only two ships per day, including a general cargo vessel and a sanctioned liquefied petroleum gas tanker. Other recent passages included...