The reduction marks a gradual easing in the number of ships affected by disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors, although Japanese shipping companies remain cautious about resuming normal operations through the Strait.

A spokesperson for the association said on Monday that shipping firms would independently determine when to restart transits through the waterway after confirming safe passage conditions, including assurances that no mines are present.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X on Friday that a vessel carrying three Japanese crew members had exited the Gulf and was heading to Japan. The vessel was not identified. Its departure means all 24 Japanese crew members who were in the Gulf when the conflict began have now left the region.

The association said Japan is advocating for international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization, to take the lead in developing fair and coordinated procedures to facilitate the orderly departure of vessels still stranded in the Gulf.

The immediate focus remains ensuring the safe movement of ships currently trapped in the area, the spokesperson said, adding that there are no plans at present for vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz to load cargo.

Shipping activity through the strategic waterway declined sharply on Sunday after Iran announced it had once again closed the Strait, citing what it described as Israeli and U.S. violations of an interim peace agreement, according to shipping data.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy exports, and disruptions to navigation through the passage are closely monitored by governments, shipping operators and energy markets worldwide.