A very large crude carrier (VLCC), loaded with two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil, has transited the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first observed passage of a vessel carrying Iraqi crude through the critical waterway since the Iran war led to a near-total shutdown of commercial shipping there.

According to tanker tracking data, signals from the "Omega Trader," operated by Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, indicated the vessel arrived at Mumbai in recent days. Prior to reaching the Indian port city, its last signal was transmitted over ten days ago from within the Persian Gulf.

Now in its fourth week, the Iran war has caused a near standstill in shipping activity through the Strait, driving up global energy costs. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is transported via this route.

Although only a handful of tankers have transited since the conflict began, these voyages have helped alleviate what the International Energy Agency has described as the largest supply disruption in the history of the oil market.

Many vessels that have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz have discharged their cargoes in India.

The Indian government has engaged with Iranian officials to seek passage permits for ships intending to transport energy supplies to the country. One liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier has already transited the Strait under the guidance of the Iranian navy.

Data from the Equasis maritime database shows that the technical manager of the "Omega Trader" vessel is Mitsui O.S.K. Lines of Japan.