A crude oil tanker belonging to the Eneos Holdings Inc group, the Eneos Endeavor, has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Japan, marking the second Japan-bound crude oil tanker to leave the Persian Gulf since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, according to statements from the company and the Japanese government [1]. Eneos President Tomohide Miyata confirmed the vessel's safe passage and noted that it is expected to arrive in Japan between late May and early June, though he declined to provide further details on the timing [1].
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that no toll was paid to Iran for the passage and emphasized that the Japanese government had made direct requests to Iran to enable the safe transit of vessels. Motegi also revealed that 39 Japan-linked vessels remain in the Persian Gulf and assured that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to facilitate their passage through the strait [1].
The Eneos Endeavor, a Panama-flagged tanker, departed the United Arab Emirates in late February and had been delayed in the Persian Gulf until recently, with Kiire port in Kagoshima Prefecture as its destination [1]. Last month, a crude oil tanker operated by a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan Co. became the first Japanese vessel to transit the strait following the joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran on February 28 [1].
Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern crude oil, most of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The effective closure of this crucial waterway has led to surging crude oil prices due to supply concerns [1]. Eneos announced that it expects net profit for fiscal 2026 to rise about 1.6-fold year-on-year to 415 billion yen ($2.7 billion), with operating profit forecast to increase 30.7 percent to 610 billion yen on sales of 12.85 trillion yen, up 9.2 percent. These forecasts are based on the assumption that the impact of the Middle East situation on crude procurement, production, and sales will be limited to the period through May [1]. The company also noted that it is cooperating with the government to diversify import sources, including the United States and Central Asia, and is considering purchases that avoid the Strait of Hormuz [1].
CONCLUSION
The safe passage of the Eneos Endeavor marks a significant development for Japan's energy security amid ongoing Middle East tensions. While crude oil prices have surged due to supply concerns, Eneos is optimistic about its profit outlook and is actively working to diversify its crude oil sources. Continued diplomatic efforts and strategic adjustments are expected as the situation evolves.