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Idemitsu Maru First Japanese VLCC Through Hormuz, 2M Barrels

4/29/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Idemitsu Maru Transits

Idemitsu Maru became the first Japanese-linked VLCC to traverse the Strait of Hormuz since the February 28 Iran-U.S. conflict began.
Idemitsu Kosan’s Panama-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru crossed the strait on April 28, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude toward Nagoya, Japan.
Japan sources about 95 % of its oil from the Middle East, making the transit vital.
Only seven vessels were recorded that day, far below the pre-war average of 125-140.

Left

Mubaraz Transits

The Hormuz shutdown has lifted LNG and oil prices throughout Asia and Europe, straining regional economies.
The LNG tanker Mubaraz became the first vessel to traverse the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-U.S. war began.
U.S. President Donald Trump voiced dissatisfaction with Iran’s peace proposal, dampening hopes for settlement.
IEA said Qatar and the UAE cut LNG output by 10 billion cubic meters this month.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC members cut output by 5 million barrels per day, sending crude from $3 to $12 a barrel and prompting Japan—then importing about 90 % of its oil from the Middle East—to impose steep consumption cuts. The 2024 Iran-U.S. clash constrained Hormuz flows, leaving the Idemitsu Maru as the sole vessel to move 2 million barrels, echoing how chokepoint squeezes force Japan to diversify energy sources.

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Idemitsu Maru Transits

Idemitsu Maru became the first Japanese-linked VLCC to traverse the Strait of Hormuz since the February 28 Iran-U.S. conflict began.
Idemitsu Kosan’s Panama-flagged tanker Idemitsu Maru crossed the strait on April 28, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude toward Nagoya, Japan.
Japan sources about 95 % of its oil from the Middle East, making the transit vital.
Only seven vessels were recorded that day, far below the pre-war average of 125-140.

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