The Japanese supertanker Eneos Endeavor emerged in the Gulf of Oman on May 13 after a gap in location signals, indicating it quietly transited the Strait of Hormuz without broadcasting its position, sources said [1, 2].
The vessel last transmitted its location north of Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf on May 11 and next showed up north of Muscat in the Gulf of Oman two days later, confirming the period when it sailed through the strategic waterway without sending signals [2]. After reappearing, the tanker continued east toward the Arabian Sea [1, 2].
Eneos Endeavor is part of the fleet operated by Japanese refiner Eneos Holdings. It entered the Persian Gulf in late February to load crude oil from the United Arab Emirates’ Das Island and Kuwait’s Mina Al Ahmadi terminals [2]. Draft readings show the tanker is nearly fully loaded [2].
Originally, the supertanker indicated Japan’s Kiire as a destination in late April but now appears to be waiting for further instructions, with no clear port of call identified [2].
The ship’s passage marks only the second time a Japanese very large crude carrier (VLCC) has crossed the Strait of Hormuz since a regional war began in late February. The first was the Idemitsu Maru, which completed the crossing in late April while broadcasting its position openly [2].
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the passage, saying Tokyo is urging Tehran "to ensure free and safe transit for all vessels through the waterway," highlighting the passage’s geopolitical sensitivity [2].
Eneos Holdings declined to comment on operational details, citing safety concerns [2].
In the coming days, further updates are expected as the Eneos Endeavor awaits new orders and clarifies its next port call amid ongoing regional instability.
