Canadian Crude Cargo Heads to Japan as Supply Diversification Grows
MONTREAL (Oil Monster): A cargo of Canadian crude was headed to Japan, ship tracking data showed on Wednesday, the first Canadian crude shipment to the country since early 2025, as the war between the U.S. and Iran has tightened supplies of Middle East crude.
What Readers Should Know
- A Canadian crude cargo was on its way to Japan, according to ship tracking data.
- The shipment was the first Canadian crude cargo to Japan since early 2025.
- The crude was moved via the Trans Mountain pipeline in Vancouver.
- The ship was chartered by Exxon Mobil and the cargo was bought by Eneos.
- The article links the move to efforts by Japanese refiners to diversify supply.
Shipment Details
Marshall Islands-flagged Freedom Glory, an Aframax ship that can carry up to 750,000 barrels of crude, loaded oil shipped via the Trans Mountain pipeline in Vancouver and was on its way to Kiire in Japan, according to ship tracking data on Kpler and LSEG.
The ship was chartered by Exxon Mobil and the cargo was bought by Japan's largest refiner, Eneos, Kpler data showed. The Trans Mountain pipeline (TMX) moves oil from Alberta to Vancouver, from where it can be exported.
Why Japan Is Buying More
"Japan's renewed purchases of TMX crude highlight Canada's growing role in Asia's evolving import strategy as refiners diversify away from Middle East Gulf supplies," Richard Ro, a senior market analyst at Kpler, said.
Japanese refineries have been seeking to diversify supply sources after the Iran war choked shipments of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. More recently, the Iran-aligned Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, expanding attacks on tankers carrying global energy and other supplies to waters beyond the Gulf.
TMX Exports To Asia
The percentage of exports to Asia from Vancouver via the TMX pipeline has steadily climbed. Asian exports accounted for about 77% of total oil exports from Vancouver in 2026, compared with about 51% in 2024.
India, Malaysia and Singapore have all returned to purchasing crude shipped via the TMX pipeline since the Iran war broke out at the end of February.
Courtesy: www.reuters.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Canadian crude cargo sent to Japan?
Ship tracking data showed the cargo was headed to Japan as refiners diversify supply sources.
Which ship carried the crude?
The Marshall Islands-flagged Freedom Glory carried the cargo.
Who chartered the ship?
Exxon Mobil chartered the vessel, according to Kpler data.
Who bought the cargo?
Japan's largest refiner, Eneos, bought the cargo.
What route did the oil use?
The oil was shipped via the Trans Mountain pipeline in Vancouver.