Story perspectives

Japanese Supertanker Idemitsu Maru Crosses Hormuz, First Since War

4/30/2026

Summary

Idemitsu Maru Crosses

Idemitsu Maru, a supertanker, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, first Japanese-owned oil carrier to leave the Persian Gulf since the U.S.–Iran war began on Feb. 28 2026.
The 333-m Panama-flagged VLCC, built 2007, holds 2 million barrels and loaded 2 MMbbl of Saudi crude at Juaymah in March.
Japan secured Iran’s transit permission without a fee for Idemitsu Maru, which heads for Nagoya with arrival on May 18 as strait traffic remains near zero.

Summary

Idemitsu Maru Crosses

Idemitsu Maru crossed Hormuz, echoing 1953 Nissho Maru blockade breach.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Iran’s ambassador on March 2, phoning Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on April 15.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi teleconferenced President Pezeshkian on April 8 and ordered a 30-day drawdown in March and a 20-day drawdown from May 1.
U.S. Treasury warned that “toll” payments for Hormuz transits could be sanctionable.
Analysts note 40-41 vessels remain stranded, making Idemitsu Maru’s trip isolated.

History

Historical Context

In March 1953 the Japanese supertanker Nissho Maru slipped past the Royal Navy’s Hormuz blockade, delivering about 2 million barrels of oil and boosting Japan’s post-war morale. Decades later, the same route faces the 2026 U.S.–Iran war, during which Iran has repeatedly closed the strait that carries roughly 20 % of world seaborne oil. Idemitsu’s historic 30 % discount deal underscores Japan’s enduring stake.

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Idemitsu Maru Crosses

Idemitsu Maru, a supertanker, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, first Japanese-owned oil carrier to leave the Persian Gulf since the U.S.–Iran war began on Feb. 28 2026.
The 333-m Panama-flagged VLCC, built 2007, holds 2 million barrels and loaded 2 MMbbl of Saudi crude at Juaymah in March.
Japan secured Iran’s transit permission without a fee for Idemitsu Maru, which heads for Nagoya with arrival on May 18 as strait traffic remains near zero.

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