The Japanese Shipowners’ Association has expressed concern over the plight of numerous vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to ongoing hostilities in Iran. Hitoshi Nagasawa, the association’s president, highlighted the urgency of the situation during a press conference in Tokyo on March 25, 2026. He emphasized the need for government intervention to facilitate the safe passage of these ships, as the conflict continues to escalate.
Currently, 45 Japanese-related vessels are trapped in the gulf, primarily because Iran has effectively blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz following recent military actions by the United States and Israel. Nagasawa warned that as the situation deteriorates, there is an increasing risk for crew members aboard these ships.
Despite the challenges, Nagasawa noted that vessels from other countries, including India, Pakistan, and Turkey, have managed to navigate the strait. The association has urged the transport ministry to gather intelligence on possible solutions that would enable Japanese ships to exit the gulf safely.
He reassured that the crews have sufficient supplies and can be reached via satellite communications. Nagasawa reiterated the association’s hope for a swift resolution that would allow both crew and cargo to leave the area safely.
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