The number of Japan-related vessels remaining in the Gulf has fallen to 37 from 45 at the start of the Iran war, with seven ships having transited the Strait of Hormuz and one transferred to a non-Japanese operator, Reuters reports, citing the Japanese Shipowners’ Association.

Once safe passage has been confirmed, including the absence of mines, individual shipping companies will decide when to resume transit through the Strait, a spokesperson for the association has said.

The immediate priority is securing the passage of vessels currently stranded in the Gulf. At present, there are no plans to send ships through the Strait to load cargo, the spokesperson has added.