Second Japan-Linked Oil Tanker Transits Hormuz After PM Takaichi Contacts Iran

A Japan-linked crude oil tanker managed by ENEOS Holdings has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

This is the second such transit by a Japan-related vessel since disruptions in the region affected routine Gulf shipping movements.

The Panama-flagged tanker, identified as Eneos Endeavor, crossed the strait and is now expected to continue its voyage to Japan, with arrival projected between late May and early June.

The passage is being closely watched due to the strategic importance of the waterway for global crude oil shipments.

The vessel is carrying around 2 million barrels of crude oil, including 1.2 million barrels of crude from Kuwait and 700,000 barrels of Emirati Das Blend loaded in late February, according to shipping data.

The cargo is destined for Japanese refineries as part of regular energy supply flows from the Gulf region.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said no tolls were paid for the passage through Iran-linked waters. He also said Japan worked through diplomatic channels, including its embassy in Tehran, to facilitate safe passage.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she had directly contacted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to allow the ship to pass.

The vessel has four Japanese crew members on board, and she said the passage was also important from the point of view of protecting Japanese nationals.

The operator, ENEOS, Japan’s largest oil refining group, confirmed the vessel’s safe transit.

Chief Executive Tomohide Miyata said the crew was in good condition and thanked government officials for their support and said the company will continue working to ensure stable energy supplies for Japan.

Japan relies heavily on Gulf oil, with around 95% of its imports coming from the region before recent disruption to shipping routes.

Since then, Japan has increased use of strategic stockpiles and has also brought in more oil from the United States and the Caspian region. The government has also used subsidies to keep domestic fuel prices steady.

According to Japanese officials, 39 Japan-linked vessels are still present in the Gulf area. The government said it will continue diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for all ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

This passage follows a similar transit in late April, when another Japan-linked tanker operated by a unit of Idemitsu Kosan Co. crossed the strait carrying Saudi oil.

Ship tracking data showed that the vessel had entered the Persian Gulf in late February and moved towards Kuwait before staying in the region for a period.

The company said it did not give details of the exact movement after that but confirmed the safe crossing.