"The Great Oil Parking Lot": How Gulf States Bypass the Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Satellite imagery has revealed dozens of ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman. While Iran struggles under a naval blockade, regional states are successfully adapting their supply chains, using the open sea to transit millions of barrels of crude.
Satellite data has identified between 15 and 20 ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman, with only one instance linked to Iran. This activity involves tens of millions of barrels of oil, representing a significant portion of the Gulf states' daily output. The findings confirm that regional players are successfully maneuvering to bypass restrictions, while Iran faces increasing difficulties due to the naval blockade imposed by the US.
According to the tracking firm TankerTrackers, at least 20 locations have been identified where cargo is transferred directly between tankers without the need for port unloading. Estimates suggest a total volume of approximately 25 million barrels of crude oil and refined products. Notably, the source of this oil is almost every country in the region, with the exception of Iran.
A "Parking Lot" in the Open Sea
The concentration of tankers in the Gulf of Oman has created an unusual scene, resembling a massive parking lot in the middle of the sea. Instead of following standard routes, tankers departing the Persian Gulf meet with vessels waiting outside the Strait of Hormuz to transfer their cargo. This process allows for the alteration of tanker identification and ensures the continuation of transport despite the risks associated with the strait.
This activity highlights how the energy market is adapting to regional uncertainty. Shipping companies are seeking to reduce exposure to vulnerable maritime chokepoints by creating more flexible supply chains far from potential missile threats.
Diplomatic Efforts and Tensions
Alongside these logistical shifts, intense diplomatic negotiations are underway in Tehran. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi visited Iran to discuss an agreement regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, with a visit from Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed Al-Thani, also expected.
According to the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, acting as a mediator between Iran and the US, proposed that the US lift the naval blockade and sanctions in exchange for an end to attacks by Iranian-backed terrorist organizations. However, conservative circles in Iran, including the newspaper Kayhan, remain skeptical, dismissing Munir's visit as a US "deception operation." Tehran continues to insist that it will not reopen the strait without ensuring its exclusive control.
