Ankara/Tokyo, April 6 (SANA) A Turkish vessel and another linked to Japan have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, despite severe disruption to maritime traffic due to restrictions imposed by Iran.
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the Turkish-owned vessel Ocean Thunder crossed the strait safely overnight, according to Anadolu Agency. He said the tanker, carrying crude oil from Iraq and bound for Malaysia, exited the Gulf following coordination with Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.
Uraloğlu added that three Turkish-linked ships that had been waiting in the Gulf since the start of the conflict have now passed through the strait without incident. He said 12 Turkish-owned vessels remain in the area, while eight others have requested to leave, adding that authorities are monitoring developments and working to ensure the safe departure of remaining ships and their crews.
Separately, Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said a liquefied petroleum gas carrier, Green Asha, operated by one of its subsidiaries and flying the Indian flag, had crossed the strait safely en route to South Asia. The company said the crew and cargo were unharmed, marking the third Japan-linked vessel to transit the strait.
India’s government said on Saturday that another LPG carrier, Green Sanvi, also owned by a Mitsui subsidiary, had safely crossed the strait.
Iran announced on March 2 that it would restrict navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, warning it could target vessels attempting to pass without prior coordination, amid escalating military tensions involving the United States and Israel. The restrictions have disrupted shipping flows and contributed to rising global energy prices.
k.Abdul
