New attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz are taking place, while Saudi Arabia, due to damage to its oil transport routes, is compelled to send more oil through this waterway. These attacks coincide with a significant decrease in maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Attacks and Damages
Since September 16, commercial operations in the Strait of Hormuz have faced new warnings from UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). These warnings involve two oil tankers that have been targeted by unauthorized projects, as well as another security incident near Khasab, Oman. One of these attacks has been claimed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, which attacked the Togolese-flagged tanker, Trend, targeting it for attempting unauthorized passage through Hormuz.
Read more: 14 Million Liter Oil Tanker Shipment in the Sanctions Route
Saudi Arabia's Situation and Route Changes
Following these attacks, Saudi Arabia, which previously transported millions of barrels of oil through the East-West pipeline to Yanbu in the Red Sea, is now forced to transfer oil towards the Persian Gulf. This change in route has occurred due to damage to three pumping stations following drone attacks. Industry estimates suggest that full repairs may take five to six weeks.
In September and October, Saudi Aramco plans to transport about 60 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, reports indicate shipments being transferred ship-to-ship near Sohar, Oman.
Recent attacks have put additional pressure on the Oman route, which is used for facilitated passage under the Freedom Project. In the past seven days, the average number of vessels transiting this route has been reported at around 24 per day, significantly higher than the number of vessels visible in the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
Iran has also claimed responsibility for the attack on the Trend tanker, increasing the significance of this issue, as Tehran has frequently reacted to the movement of vessels it deems unauthorized. However, the other two attacks have not been attributed to Iran.
Read more: Aramco Halts Oil Deliveries to Two European Refineries in October · Saini Oil Tanker Shipment Identified in the Sanctions Route
