A Japanese-owned supertanker carrying around two million barrels of crude oil has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after obtaining authorization from Iranian authorities, in what is considered a rare transit through the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The vessel, identified as the Idemitsu Maru, a Panama-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) managed by a subsidiary of Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan, set sail after remaining anchored off Abu Dhabi for more than a week. The ship had loaded crude from Saudi Arabia’s Juaymah terminal in early March, Iran’s state media reported.
Tracking data shows the tanker briefly adjusted its course near Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands before proceeding eastward past Larak, indicating close coordination with Iranian authorities during its passage.
This is reported to be the first Japanese-linked oil shipment to move through the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began on February 28.
Japan relies heavily on West Asian crude, with roughly 95% of its oil imports passing through the strait, making the route critical for its energy security. However, maritime traffic has sharply declined since the start of the conflict, as Iran has imposed strict controls requiring vessels to receive prior approval before entering or exiting the waterway.
Tehran has stated that transit through the strait will now be regulated along designated routes and permitted only with Iranian authorization.
