Second Japanese Oil Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz

On May 11, a crude oil tanker operated by Eneos Holdings Inc. passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is now heading toward Japan. This marks the second tanker to leave the Persian Gulf since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, according to company and Japanese government sources.

Earlier in May, another Japanese oil tanker had also successfully navigated the strait. The consecutive crossings of two tankers through the Strait of Hormuz are seen as a positive signal for Japan's energy supply, given the country's heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic maritime chokepoint, through which approximately 20% of the world's crude oil is transported. Recent U.S.-Israel clashes with Iran have raised concerns over maritime security in the region. The Japanese government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of oil tankers and to maintain a stable energy supply.