RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has resumed crude oil loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal, the world’s largest offshore oil export facility, following a nearly four-month suspension, signaling a gradual recovery in Gulf energy exports despite ongoing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping data showed that crude loading operations resumed on Friday, with two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) operated by Saudi shipping company Bahri loading cargoes at Ras Tanura, while a third tanker awaited its turn offshore. Each VLCC has the capacity to transport approximately two million barrels of crude oil.
The resumption comes as major Middle Eastern oil producers increase production and exports following an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at halting hostilities and restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital energy corridor that previously carried around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
However, concerns over maritime security persist after a cargo vessel owned by Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine was struck by an unidentified object in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The incident prompted the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to suspend its ship escort operations, raising fresh questions about the durability of the fragile ceasefire.
According to Reuters, two U.S. officials alleged that Iranian forces fired on the vessel, while Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated that ships sailing outside designated transit routes would not be guaranteed safe passage.
Located on Saudi Arabia’s eastern Gulf coast, Ras Tanura previously handled exports exceeding five million barrels of crude oil per day before regional conflict disrupted operations. The facility is also home to Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic refinery, with a processing capacity of 550,000 barrels per day, which had been temporarily shut down as a precaution during the conflict.
According to shipping data, Aramco last loaded crude from Ras Tanura for China on March 8 before redirecting exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the regional conflict.
The disruption significantly reduced Saudi crude exports, which averaged around 4 million barrels per day over the past three months, down from more than 7 million barrels per day in February.
The reopening of Ras Tanura is viewed as a positive development for global energy markets, helping restore export capacity from one of the world’s most strategic oil terminals while easing concerns over crude supply amid continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf.
By Reuters
