Japan Secures Canadian Crude as Hormuz Supply Disruption Fuels Asian Shift
The first shipment of Canadian crude from the Trans Mountain (TMX) pipeline since 2025 was sent to Japan on the Marshall Islands‑flagged vessel Freedom Glory, chartered by Exxon Mobil. The ship left Vancouver loaded with up to 750,000 barrels, and the cargo was bought by Japan’s largest refiner, Eneos.
Tokyo has cut its 2024 economic growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.3% as higher oil prices bite. Until the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran in February, Japan imported more than 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz; the conflict has choked that route and prompted Japan and other Asian nations to diversify supplies.
The Trans Mountain pipeline, owned by the Canadian federal government, can move up to 890,000 barrels a day from Alberta to a marine terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia, and has been running at roughly 90% capacity since the third quarter of 2025. TMX exports now account for about 77% of Vancouver’s total oil shipments this year, up from roughly 51% in 2024. India, Malaysia and Singapore have also resumed buying Canadian crude via TMX.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada does not intend to use its oil as a bargaining chip in talks with Washington, despite recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian products.
Entities: Eneos · Freedom Glory · Japan · Mark Carney · Trans Mountain pipeline
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Trans Mountain pipeline can transport up to 890,000 barrels per day and has operated at about 90% capacity since Q3 2025. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will not use its oil as leverage in talks with the United States despite recent U.S. tariffs. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Before the U.S.‑Israel war on Iran in February, Japan imported more than 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] TMX exports to Asia accounted for about 77% of Vancouver’s total oil shipments this year, up from roughly 51% in 2024. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] India, Malaysia and Singapore have resumed buying Canadian TMX crude after the Iran‑related shipping disruptions. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Japan’s largest refiner Eneos bought the shipment. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Freedom Glory vessel left Vancouver on a Wednesday carrying up to 750,000 barrels of Canadian TMX crude destined for Japan. (all articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Tokyo cut its 2024 growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.3% because of higher oil prices. (all articles)