Oman oil escape route: How ship-to-ship transfers work — despite big risks
Summary
Saudi Arabia’s oil exports have been disrupted after damage to a major pipeline, forcing the country to use ship-to-ship transfers near Oman to export crude oil. These transfers involve moving oil directly between ships at sea to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments.Key Facts
- The East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia was damaged by Iran-aligned Houthis, disrupting oil exports.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for about one-fifth of global oil, but it is effectively closed due to conflict involving Iran.
- Saudi Arabia now transports oil to Oman’s Sohar port, near the strait, for ship-to-ship transfers to other vessels.
- Ship-to-ship transfers involve moving oil directly from one ship to another at sea using hoses and special fenders to prevent damage.
- These transfers are done secretly, with ship trackers turned off and strict safety checks in place.
- The US military has helped support these secretive transfers to keep Gulf oil exports flowing.
- Sohar (Oman) and Fujairah (UAE) ports are key in bypassing the Strait of Hormuz for these transfers.
- Iran closely monitors and sometimes attacks ships taking unauthorized routes near the strait.
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