Japanese LNG tankers cross Hormuz without paying Iran fees

Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines said its liquefied natural gas carriers transited the Strait of Hormuz in April without paying fees demanded by Iran, despite heightened tensions in the region.

The company, which operates a fleet of around 900 vessels and ranks among the world’s largest shipping firms, confirmed that three LNG tankers passed through the strait last month, according to Kyodo News.

On April 3, the tanker Sohar LNG, sailing under the Panamanian flag, transited the waterway. It was followed by Green Sanvi and Green Asha, both sailing under the Indian flag, which passed through on April 4 and April 6, respectively.

A company representative said Mitsui OSK does not plan to comply with the payment demand going forward, emphasising that freedom of navigation should be upheld under international law.

The issue comes amid broader uncertainty over maritime security in the region. Earlier, company president Jotaro Tamura said the firm needed to evaluate how the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was being implemented before sending vessels through the strait.

Separately, the tanker Idemitsu Maru, owned by a Japanese energy company, also transited the Strait of Hormuz in April without making any payment.

Shipping through the Strait has been severely disrupted since the start of the US military operation, after which Iran effectively restricted navigation along the route and imposed a $2 million fee for passage. According to Reuters, Tehran has received at least one such payment.

By Tamilla Hasanova