The number of Japan-related vessels remaining in the Gulf has decreased to 37 from 45 at the start of the Iran war, according to the Japanese Shipowners' Association. Seven ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, and one vessel has been transferred to a non-Japanese operator.
Safe Passage and Decision-Making
A spokesperson for the association stated on Monday that once safe passage is confirmed, including the absence of mines, individual shipping companies will decide when to resume transit through the Strait.
Japanese Crew Members Safe
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on X on Friday that a vessel carrying three Japanese crew members had exited the Gulf and was heading to Japan. The vessel was not identified. With this departure, all 24 Japanese crew members who were in the Gulf when the war erupted have now left the region.
Proposal for International Oversight
Since many vessels from other countries also remain in the Gulf, Japan is proposing that official bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation take the lead in establishing fair rules to ensure an orderly departure from the Gulf, the spokesperson said. The immediate priority is securing the passage of vessels currently stranded. At present, there are no plans to send ships through the Strait to load cargo.
Strait of Hormuz Closure
The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on Sunday after Iran announced it had again closed the waterway, citing Israeli and U.S. violations of the interim peace deal, according to shipping data.
