Pertamina says clearance for tanker in Hormuz Strait still underway

State-owned energy company PT Pertamina said on Thursday the clearance process for its very large crude carrier (VLCC) Pertamina Pride to leave the Strait of Hormuz is still underway after a sister vessel safely exited the strategic waterway last month.

"The clearance process is ongoing for the Pertamina Pride," Pertamina Vice President for Corporate Communication Muhammad Baron said.

Baron said the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz remained fragile despite a ceasefire between the parties involved in the recent conflict, meaning the vessel could face further delays if tensions escalate.

Pertamina Pride is carrying crude oil for Pertamina's refinery in Cilacap, Central Java, and will continue its voyage to Indonesia once it receives clearance to transit the strait, he said.

Baron said the successful departure of the sister vessel, Gamsunoro, from the Strait of Hormuz last month resulted from intensive coordination between Pertamina and relevant government agencies, including Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pertamina International Shipping (PIS), the company's shipping unit, previously said the Gamsunoro departed the Persian Gulf on June 24 at 1:06 a.m. Dubai time. The vessel reached the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz at 1:00 p.m. local time and cleared the waterway about four hours later before continuing its voyage to Indonesia.

PIS said the tanker was monitored around the clock throughout the transit, with the crew maintaining continuous communication with the company's land-based crisis center to ensure the safety of the vessel and its personnel.

The company said Gamsunoro's successful passage demonstrated its ability to maintain operations despite heightened geopolitical tensions around one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak