Japanese Crude Super-Tanker Idemitsu Maru Breaks Hormuz Blockade

On 28 April (reported 29 April), the Panama-flagged VLCC Idemitsu Maru, loaded with about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude, cleared the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Japanese-linked crude tanker to transit since the Iran-U.S. war began in late February.

Japanese Oil Tanker Crosses Hormuz Strait Without Paying TollIdemitsu Maru Tanker Carrying Saudi Oil Seeks to Cross Strait of HormuzBloomberg1st Japanese crude tanker crosses Hormuz since start of Mideast conflictOil PriceThe Maritime ExecutiveBloombergAsia TimesBloombergStrait of Hormuz Nears Third Month of Closure

The conflict began on 28 February after a U.S.–Israel strike on Iran, prompting Tehran to block the strait that carries roughly one-fifth of world oil and LNG. Daily traffic fell from 125-140 ships to near-zero, straining Japan, which sources about 90 % of its oil from the Gulf.

Bloomberg

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged Iran to guarantee free passage for all vessels. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Iran’s ambassador on 2 March and held calls on 15 April; the prime minister spoke with President Pezeshkian on 8 April. Iranian media later reported that the Idemitsu Maru “secured permission” for the transit.

Asia Times

• 28 Feb – war and strait closure

1st Japanese crude tanker crosses Hormuz since start of Mideast conflict

• 2 Mar – FM-Iran meeting

Bloomberg

• 8 Apr – PM-Iran call

Strait of Hormuz Nears Third Month of Closure

• 15 Apr – FM-Iran call

Bloomberg

• 17 Apr (Reuters) or late Apr (Bloomberg) – Idemitsu Maru departs

Asia Times

• 28-29 Apr – transit

The Maritime Executive

The 300,433-dwt Idemitsu Maru, Panama-flagged, is bound for Nagoya with an ETA of 18 May. Bloomberg data show it was the sole non-Iranian VLCC to leave the Gulf in ten days; only a handful of other vessels have moved since.

Bloomberg

The transit signals that diplomatic pressure can open limited routes, offering Japan a potential lifeline for Gulf crude. Analysts warn that normal traffic may not resume until at least September, but the move may encourage broader de-escalation.

Bloomberg

Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized Japan's request for free and safe passage for its vessels. Idemitsu Kosan declined comment on the ship.

Asia Times

President Donald Trump warned of an extended blockade, and Tehran said it will not reopen the strait while U.S. naval restrictions persist.

Bloomberg

Reuters places the departure at Ras Tanura on 17 April; Bloomberg reports a late-April exit from near Abu Dhabi after a week of idling. Unverified reports claim Iran demanded a $2 million toll in yuan, but no party has confirmed payment. About 40 other Japan-linked vessels remain stranded.

$2 Million Passage Fee in Yuan? Japan’s Tanker Transit Raises Questions

• “We have taken every opportunity to urge Iran that it is crucial to quickly ensure the free and safe passage of all vessels, including those of Japan, through the Strait of Hormuz,” — Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan

Bloomberg

• “The Idemitsu Maru, operated by the tanker unit of Japan's Idemitsu Kosan, left its holding position near Abu Dhabi late Monday and appears to be exiting the Hormuz chokepoint early Tuesday, according to Bloomberg ship-tracking data.” — Stephen Stapczynski, Bloomberg

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