Two Pertamina Ships Prepare to Cross Hormuz Strait, Safety as Top Priority
PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) is preparing the voyages of two of its ships, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, to cross the Strait of Hormuz following the reopening of the route by Iran. The company is placing the safety of the crew, vessel security, and cargo as the top priority.
PIS is conducting intensive monitoring and compiling a comprehensive voyage plan. This step is being taken to ensure that both ships can transit safely through the strategic route amid regional dynamics.
Acting Corporate Secretary of PIS, Vega Pita, stated that the company has prepared a thorough shipping strategy. “We are conducting intensive monitoring and preparing a safe passage plan so that the ships can cross the Strait of Hormuz,” she said in Jakarta on Saturday (18/4/2026).
The strategy includes devising an optimal shipping route, identifying potential field risks, utilising electronic navigation systems, and preparing contingency plans. All aspects are designed to anticipate various possibilities during the voyage.
PIS is also intensifying coordination with various parties to ensure smooth operations. Communication is being carried out with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support diplomatic channels with local authorities.
Coordination also involves insurance companies, ship management, cargo owners, and relevant regional authorities. This process is necessary to ensure that all shipping requirements and permits are properly fulfilled.
Vega emphasised that safety is the primary foundation in operational decision-making. “Our priority remains on the safety of the crew as well as the security of the ship and all its cargo,” she said.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz provides space for shipping activities to resume, including energy distribution passing through the route. PIS ensures that every step is taken with careful consideration so that operations remain safe and controlled.
Previously, the Iranian government on Friday (17/4/2026) announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the conditions for ceasing attacks on Lebanon were met. This decision was conveyed by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open,” said Araghchi.
An Iranian military official stated that ships transiting still require permission from the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, international media reports indicate that commercial ships, including those from the United States, are permitted to pass, while military ships are not.
The global market response is evident from the decline in world oil prices. Brent crude oil prices fell to around $88 US per barrel after previously being above $98 US per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s vital energy distribution points. Approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies and liquefied natural gas are transported through this route.
Global financial markets have also responded positively to the development. Major stock indices in the United States strengthened at the start of trading, while European stock exchanges recorded gains in several major indices.
Some time ago, the Strait of Hormuz was impassable for tanker ships following increased military tensions in the region at the end of February. That situation pressured global energy supplies and drove up oil prices.