Japanese ships use Iran‑proposed route to transit Strait of Hormuz.

According to shipping data supplied by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), roughly ten vessels linked to Japan have recently transited the Strait of Hormuz, most of them managed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The ships have also adopted routes proposed by Iran. The data further indicate that a supertanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil bound for South Korea departed on the weekend.

The movements of these vessels have drawn widespread attention because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and playing a pivotal role in global oil trade. Iran’s recent proposal of alternative routes aims to address security concerns in the region. LSEG, a global provider of financial market data and infrastructure headquartered in London, delivers high‑quality market data through its subsidiaries, including the London Stock Exchange, Refinitiv, LSEG Technology and FTSE Russell.

Security in the Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point of international concern. The area’s complex political dynamics and tensions among states have led to multiple incidents involving ships, significantly impacting global oil trade and the shipping industry. Nations are therefore exploring effective measures to safeguard the corridor, such as establishing new routes and enhancing vessel security protocols.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, a prominent shipping company, has seen its fleet’s movements scrutinised closely. The company’s decision to use Iran’s suggested routes may be a strategy to mitigate the risks associated with transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The supertanker’s voyage with Saudi crude to South Korea underscores the continued vibrancy of global oil trade. Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest oil exporters, and its crude oil holds substantial weight in international markets. South Korea, a major oil‑importing nation with enormous demand, relies heavily on imports of crude from Saudi Arabia and other suppliers.

For Taiwan, these developments carry significant implications for energy security and the shipping sector. As an energy‑scarce country that imports large quantities of oil and natural gas, Taiwan’s energy security and economic growth are closely tied to the stability of the Strait of Hormuz and the dynamics of global oil trade. Consequently, Taiwan’s shipping industry must remain vigilant, monitoring global maritime trends and security measures to ensure the safety and efficiency of its vessels.