A Japanese oil tanker operated by a unit of Idemitsu Kosan Co. arrived in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on Monday, marking the first successful transit of the Strait of Hormuz by a Japanese vessel since the onset of the Iran war, which had severely restricted traffic through this critical energy corridor [1]. The tanker delivered 2 million barrels of crude oil, an amount equivalent to approximately 80 percent of Japan's daily domestic demand, according to sources familiar with the matter [1]. The crew, including three Japanese nationals, was reported to be in good health [1].
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the ship's arrival as 'pleasant news in terms of securing a stable energy supply' during a press conference [1]. He also revealed that, despite this successful passage, 39 Japan-related vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, including one with Japanese crew members [1]. Kihara emphasized that the Japanese government will continue diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of all vessels through the strait [1].
The Idemitsu Maru, a Panamanian-flagged ship over 300 meters in length, entered the Persian Gulf in late February before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran [1]. It loaded crude oil in Saudi Arabia and departed in early March after the strait was blocked, with its journey temporarily halted off Abu Dhabi before successfully passing through the Strait of Hormuz on April 28 without paying Iran a transit fee [1]. The vessel then traveled via waters off India and the Strait of Malacca before reaching Japan [1].
Additionally, an oil tanker from Eneos Holdings Inc., another major Japanese oil company, also passed through the Strait of Hormuz in mid-May and is expected to arrive in Japan between the end of May and early June [1].
CONCLUSION
The successful arrival of the Idemitsu Kosan-operated tanker marks a significant step toward restoring Japan's energy supply stability following disruptions caused by the Iran war. However, with 39 Japan-related vessels still stranded, ongoing diplomatic efforts remain crucial to fully normalize crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.