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Saudi Aramco restarts VLCC crude loadings through Hormuz after pause
Aramco loaded about 2 million barrels per VLCC between August 12 and August 16, ending a three-week gap in activity at Ras Tanura and Juaymah.
Saudi Aramco has resumed crude loadings through the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week pause, according to data cited by Reuters from Kpler and Vortexa.
The report said three very large crude carriers, Malaysia Prosperity, Algeria Prosperity and Singapore Prosperity, each loaded roughly 2 million barrels between August 12 and August 16. Provisional Kpler data indicated six more VLCCs could load Saudi crude from inside Hormuz later this month.
Reuters also cited LSEG shipping data showing seven VLCCs operated by Saudi-based Bahri were sitting off the UAE and Oman on Tuesday, while another two were heading toward Fujairah. Traders told Reuters Aramco could use Saudi-controlled tankers for future Hormuz transits in addition to vessels operated by South Korea’s Sinokor.
The restart follows Aramco halting sales from inside the strait for weeks after attacks on its tanker fleet during last month’s escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Reuters said Aramco still offered Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude to Asian refiners through ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah as an alternate route.
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