Japanese Tankers Resume Middle East Oil Cargoes Outside Hormuz
Japanese-linked vessels are again carrying Middle Eastern crude toward Japan, while operators continue to avoid crossing into the Persian Gulf.
Key takeaways
- The Idemitsu Maru reached Japan with Omani crude loaded in September.
- The Apollo Energy left Fujairah for Japan carrying Murban crude.
Japanese-linked tankers have resumed carrying Middle Eastern crude toward Japan after months away from the region. The Idemitsu Maru arrived in Japan earlier this month with Omani crude loaded at Mina Al Fahal in early September.
The Apollo Energy, another Idemitsu-controlled tanker, recently left Fujairah for Japan with Murban crude, according to Kpler data. At least two more tankers controlled by Japanese companies are expected to reach Al Fujayrah for Japan-bound cargoes, shipbrokers said.
None of the vessels has crossed into the Persian Gulf. Idemitsu said its position on sending vessels through Hormuz had not changed.
Ship-to-ship transfers in Middle Eastern waters have also increased. By early October, Japanese operators had moved nearly 3.7 million barrels this way, according to the article.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
