Anwar Secures 7 Ships’ Passage Through Hormuz, Delivering 1 Million Barrels to Malaysia
Updated
Updated · The Diplomat · May 7
Anwar Secures 7 Ships’ Passage Through Hormuz, Delivering 1 Million Barrels to Malaysia
5 articles · Updated · The Diplomat · May 7
Ocean Thunder reached Pengerang on April 5 with 1 million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude after Anwar Ibrahim said he won safe passage for seven Petronas-chartered ships in a March 26 call with Iran’s president.
Malaysia pushed hard because nearly 70% of its oil comes from the Persian Gulf and about half of imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making Iraqi crude vital to its subsidized fuel market.
Windward said Iran’s selective transit approvals helped both Iraq and Malaysia, reflecting Kuala Lumpur’s pragmatic ties with Tehran despite U.S.-led sanctions and its role as a regional hub for sanctioned-oil shipping.
The passage has not removed the risk: other Pengerang-bound vessels remain stranded or damaged, while Anwar said war-risk insurance has jumped 150%, threatening pressure on Malaysia’s RM1.99-a-liter fuel subsidy.
With Iran controlling Hormuz, is Malaysia's role as a 'dark fleet' hub a dangerous geopolitical gamble?
Can advanced AI tracking expose the 'dark fleet' when nations pragmatically look the other way?
Surviving the 2026 Strait of Hormuz Shutdown: Malaysia’s Diplomatic Response and Energy Supply Risks
Overview
In mid-April 2026, Malaysia secured a breakthrough in energy security when several Malaysia-linked vessels, including the Ocean Thunder, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. These negotiations resulted in clearance for Malaysian ships, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of crude oil and stabilizing the country’s immediate fuel supply. The anticipated arrival of the VLCC Serifos, carrying crude from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further strengthened Malaysia’s position. Looking ahead, potential increases in Iraqi crude production could provide additional supply, supporting Malaysia’s long-term energy stability following this critical diplomatic achievement.