Last Indonesian tanker leaves Strait of Hormuz after months of disruption

The final Indonesian oil tanker stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has exited the strategic waterway and is expected to return to Indonesia on July 23, ending months of uncertainty caused by regional conflict.

The disruption began after a U.S.-Israeli surprise attack on Tehran in late February, which was followed by an Iranian blockade that brought much of the traffic through the key maritime chokepoint to a standstill. Two Indonesian oil tankers operated by state-owned energy company Pertamina were among the vessels affected, Jakarta Globe reports.

The first tanker, Gamsunoro, left the Strait of Hormuz on June 24, shortly after a preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement was reached. The second vessel, Pertamina Pride, followed earlier this week and is now heading back to Indonesia.

Vega Pita, acting corporate secretary of Pertamina International Shipping, said the vessels could “now return to normal operations.”

The Pertamina Pride, which can transport around 2 million barrels of crude oil, is scheduled to arrive at Cilacap in Central Java for energy deliveries.

“Pertamina Pride had to pass dozens of requirements [before the exit], including the technical aspects, crew and operational readiness, insurance, and so on,” Vega said. “All our crewmembers, as well as the tanker itself, are safe and sound.”

By Sabina Mammadli