The Panama-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi oil, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first Japan-linked crude tanker to do so since the onset of the Iran conflict. Prior to the U.S.-Iran war beginning on February 28, Japan sourced 95% of its oil imports from the region, primarily via this strategic waterway. The crossing comes amid Japan’s diplomatic efforts to secure its energy supplies, which have been challenged by the ongoing war.
In April, other vessels, including the Sohar LNG tanker co-owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, also navigated the strait. The Idemitsu Maru is managed by a subsidiary of Japanese refiner Idemitsu Kosan, which declined to comment on specific vessels. Recent data indicates that the tanker was approximately 30 kilometers east of Larak Island, moving eastward with its Automatic Identification System active.
Traffic through the Strait has significantly decreased since the conflict began, with only seven ships reported to have crossed in the past day, compared to 125 to 140 daily before February. A UAE-managed LNG tanker was also reported near India, potentially the first loaded LNG vessel to pass through since the war started. Analysts suggest that even if the strait reopens soon, it may take until September for tanker and oil markets to stabilize.
