Japanese Oil Tanker Successfully Exits Hormuz Strait Without Toll Payment
A major Japanese oil tanker has made its way through the Hormuz Strait for the first time since the Iran conflict began, carrying a full cargo of crude oil. According to Tokyo officials, the passage was achieved through diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, and no transit fees were required.
Historic Passage After Two-Month Delay
The vessel in question—a Panama-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier named Idemitsu Maru, owned by a Japanese company—departed from the Gulf region carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil. Ship tracking systems indicate its destination is Nagoya port in Japan.
This tanker, operated by a subsidiary of Japanese refining company Idemitsu Kosan, had been stranded in Gulf waters for approximately 62 days after loading crude at Saudi Arabia’s Juaymah terminal in early March. The ship resumed its journey recently after the standoff ended.
First Oil Tanker, Not First Vessel
While three Japanese ships did pass through the strait earlier this month, those were all liquefied natural gas carriers. This marks the first oil tanker to make the crossing since hostilities began.
A senior Japanese government official confirmed that the breakthrough came through direct negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that no passage fees were paid for the transit.
Historical Ties Referenced
Iran’s embassy in Tokyo posted on social media about the event, referencing a 1953 incident when Idemitsu transported Iranian oil despite Western blockade efforts. The embassy noted that “this legacy still holds great significance today.”
European analysts highlighted the importance of this development, noting it represents the first time a fully-owned tanker from a major Japanese refining company has successfully navigated through Hormuz during the blockade situation.