DUBAI (MNN); A Japanese-linked liquefied natural gas tanker has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such passage since the outbreak of the Iran war, its co-owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines confirmed on Friday.
The Panama-flagged vessel “SOHAR LNG” completed the transit safely, with all crew members reported unharmed. Company officials declined to specify the exact timing of the crossing or whether any negotiations were involved.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, had effectively been closed following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Prior to the conflict, the route carried nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Japan has been particularly vulnerable to disruptions, as around 90 percent of its oil and 6 percent of its LNG imports pass through the Strait.
According to Japan’s transport ministry, about 45 Japanese-linked vessels remained stranded near the route as of Friday. These include crude oil tankers, carriers of refined products, car transport ships and LNG vessels.
Earlier, a vessel operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines had sustained minor damage in the region, though no injuries were reported.
In a sign of cautious resumption of traffic, a container ship belonging to CMA CGM also recently crossed the Strait. Additionally, ships from China, India and Greece have managed to pass through since the conflict began.
