Historic Transits of Idemitsu Maru and Mubaraz Through the Strait of Hormuz

On 28 April 2026 the Panama-flagged VLCC Idemitsu Maru, managed by Idemitsu Kosan, crossed the Strait of Hormuz with 2 million barrels of Saudi crude bound for Nagoya. Kpler data indicate the ADNOC LNG carrier Mubaraz, carrying about 133 000 cubic meters of LNG, may have completed the first fully-laden LNG crossing since the war, though this remains unconfirmed.

Reuters

The war began on 28 February after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, closing Hormuz. Pre-war traffic averaged 125–140 vessels daily; only seven ships were recorded. Japan sources about 95 % of its oil from the region, while about 20 % of global LNG, mainly for Asia, normally transits the strait.

First tanker loaded with LNG passes through Hormuz

Idemitsu Maru carries 2 million barrels of Saudi crude; Mubaraz holds 132 890–137 000 cubic meters of LNG loaded at Das Island on 2 March. Qatar and UAE LNG output fell by about 10 billion cubic meters in the month after the conflict began.

First tanker loaded with LNG passes through Hormuz

Idemitsu Kosan declined comment on individual vessels. Ship broker BRS warned that even a rapid Hormuz reopening could keep oil markets unsettled until at least September. A U.S. official reported President Donald Trump is unhappy with Iran’s latest peace proposal. Kpler analyst Charles Costerousse noted Mubaraz’s AIS was off, hindering route verification.

Reuters

Kpler analysts say Mubaraz “could be the case” that it crossed on 18-19 April, but no confirmation exists. Reuters calls Idemitsu Maru the first Japan-linked crude tanker to transit since the war, while Bloomberg notes earlier Japan-linked LPG transits, creating ambiguity over the claim. AIS shutdowns keep traffic volumes uncertain.

Oil tanker completes rare Hormuz transit as Gulf shipping remains constrained

• “tomorrow, we suggest that it will take until at least September for tanker and oil markets to return to something resembling 'normal,'” — BRS, ship broker.

Reuters

• “The vessel has likely switched off its transponder for the last month or so,” — Charles Costerousse, Kpler Insight analyst.

New York Times

• “It could be the case that the vessel managed to cross the strait during the weekend of 18-19 April, when multiple vessels attempted to cross the strait (including seven LNG tankers), however this is not yet confirmed,” — Charles Costerousse, Kpler analyst.

First tanker loaded with LNG passes through Hormuz

The successful crude transit shows large carriers can still navigate Hormuz despite heightened risk, offering a tentative lifeline for Japan’s oil supply and Asian LNG imports. Analysts stress that market normalization may lag months, and the loss of about 10 billion cubic meters of Middle-East LNG has pressured global energy prices.

First tanker loaded with LNG passes through Hormuz

Kpler expects more crude and LNG attempts as refiners seek flow, while ship-to-ship transfers outside the Gulf may continue. BRS projects oil markets could stay volatile until at least September. Diplomatic talks will shape future crossings.

First tanker loaded with LNG passes through Hormuz