Second Japanese Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait of Hormuz

By Megumi Fujikawa

TOKYO--A tanker operated by Japanese oil wholesaler Eneos Holdings has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a welcome sign as the Middle East conflict raises concerns over energy shortages in Japan.

The tanker is expected to arrive in Japan around late May or June, but details, including the vessel's route, cannot be disclosed for safety reasons, an Eneos spokeswoman said Thursday.

The Eneos vessel is the second Japan-linked oil tanker to cross the strait recently, following the Idemitsu Maru, which is managed by another Japanese oil wholesaler, Idemitsu Kosan.

"We view this latest successful transit as another positive development, including from the perspective of ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals," Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a social media post. Four Japanese crew members are on board the vessel, she added

"The government will continue to proactively pursue all diplomatic efforts and coordination to ensure the passage of all vessels, including those related to Japan, through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible," Takaichi said.

Since the conflict began in late February, traffic through the waterway has slowed to a virtual halt, disrupting global supplies of oil and gas.

Another Japan-bound vessel passing through the critical route safely offers a measure of relief for a country that relies heavily on imports from the Middle East to meet its energy needs.

The Takaichi administration has already released portions of its strategic oil reserves to cushion against an energy shock, and made efforts to secure crude oil through alternative routes.

There are now 39 Japan-related vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, at least one of which has Japanese crew on board, according to the government.

Write to Megumi Fujikawa at megumi.fujikawa@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 14, 2026 02:19 ET (06:19 GMT)