First Stranded Malaysian Vessel Safely Transits Strait of Hormuz

Malaysia’s foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday, April 7, that the first of seven Malaysia-owned commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz has safely transited the waterway and is continuing toward its destination.

The development follows high-level diplomatic engagements conducted in March between the leaders and foreign ministers of Malaysia and Iran. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were instrumental in securing clearance for the vessels to resume their journeys.

The Embassy of Iran in Malaysia announced the transit on its official X platform on Monday, April 6, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran “does not forget its friends.”

Data from LSEG and Kpler indicates that the vessel is an oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude, chartered by a unit of the national energy company Petronas. The ship is scheduled to discharge its cargo in Pengerang, Johor, in mid-April.

The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz occurred as Iranian forces restricted the trade route in retaliation against strikes by the United States and Israel. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously described the situation as critical, noting that the stranded vessels were essential for national oil supplies and the needs of the Malaysian people.

Malaysia relies on the Strait of Hormuz for approximately 50% of its oil supply. Addressing the energy security implications of the conflict and the halted supplies, Prime Minister Anwar stated on Tuesday that the country’s energy supply is expected to remain sufficient until at least June of this year.

Whereas the first vessel has successfully passed through the strait, the status of the remaining six Malaysian ships remains under review. Malaysia’s foreign ministry has been contacted regarding the current position and transit timeline for the rest of the fleet.