Shipping data reveals tankers carrying Gulf crude evaded tracking amid heightened tensions and Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
Two very large crude carriers transported a combined 4 million barrels of Gulf crude through the Strait of Hormuz last week with transponders disabled. The move aimed to avoid detection and potential Iranian attacks amid escalating regional tensions, according to shipping data.
The VLCC Basrah Energy loaded 2 million barrels of Upper Zakum crude at ADNOC’s Zirku terminal on May 1 and exited the strait on May 6. It offloaded its cargo at Fujairah on May 8. A second VLCC, Kiara M, carried 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude but its destination remains unclear.
ADNOC and buyers have increasingly relied on such tactics to move stranded crude, though volumes remain far below normal transit levels due to the ongoing conflict.