A Japanese-owned tanker safely transits the Strait of Hormuz via an Iranian-approved route, marking the third such passage amid a global energy crisis.
TOKYO: A Japanese-owned tanker has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil and gas artery that Iran has largely closed in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.
The Indian-flagged LPG tanker Green Asha, owned by a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, passed through the strait and is now en route to South Asia.
A company spokeswoman confirmed that both the crew and cargo aboard the Green Asha are safe following the transit.
This marks the third Japan-linked vessel to cross the strategic waterway since Iran effectively sealed it off in late February.
The passage follows the safe transit of another Mitsui-owned LPG tanker, the Green Sanvi, which India’s government reported had crossed the strait on Saturday.
A day prior to that, three tankers, including one co-owned by Mitsui, also managed to navigate the restricted passage.
Mitsui’s Sohar LNG vessel was notably the first LNG tanker to cross the strait since March 1.
The few ships that have transited since the conflict began have used an Iranian-approved route through its waters near Larak Island.
This specific passage has been dubbed the “Tehran Toll Booth” by the leading shipping journal Lloyd’s List.
The near-closure of the strait has triggered global fuel shortages and sent energy prices soaring worldwide.
