First Japan-Linked Supertanker With Saudi Oil Crosses Hormuz Since US-Iran War Began

Our take

A Japanese-linked supertanker has successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such crossing since the onset of the U.S.-Iran war. This significant event underscores the ongoing complexities of global oil transportation, particularly in a region known for its geopolitical tensions. The movement of this supertanker, carrying Saudi oil, highlights Japan’s strategic involvement in ensuring energy security amidst a backdrop of uncertainty.

A supertanker linked to Japan crossed the Strait of Hormuz; the first such crossing by a Japanese-linked oil tanker since the U.S-Iran war began in February.

Idemitsu Maru began its voyage on Monday from northwest of Abu Dhabi, and then it slowly moved towards Hormuz. The tanker had altered its course when it neared Iran’s Qeshm and Larak Islands before continuing eastwards past Larak.

The Panama-flagged very large crude carrier is carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil from Saudi Arabia’s Juaymah Terminal.

The tanker is managed by a Japanese shipping unit linked to refiner Idemitsu Kosan. At one time, the tanker was 30 km east of Iran’s Larak Island while its tracking system was active.

Another UAE-operated LNG tanker, Mubaraz, carrying over 132,000 m3 of LNG, is believed to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz after loading at Das Island in March.

Mubaraz reportedly turned off its tracking system for many weeks before reappearing near India.

If confirmed, this could mark the first LNG cargo to pass through the Hormuz since the commencement of the war.

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