Iran Restarts Kharg Island Oil Shipments After 25-Day Halt
Iran has restarted crude oil shipments from Kharg Island after a 25-day interruption, providing some relief for the country's export trade even as disruption continues around the Strait of Hormuz and key facilities remain inactive.
- Iran has restarted crude oil shipments from Kharg Island after a 25-day interruption.
- A VLCC loaded nearly 2 million barrels at the Azarpad jetty.
- The eastern terminal and liquefied petroleum gas facility remain inactive.
- Kharg Island handles about 90% of Iran's crude exports.
- The island holds roughly 30 million barrels of storage.
- Iran has used alternative routes to keep oil moving during the disruption.
MONTREAL (Oil Monster): Iran has restarted crude oil shipments from Kharg Island after a 25-day interruption, offering a sigh of relief for the country's export trade amid ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. However, satellite pictures indicate that the eastern terminal and liquefied petroleum gas facility are still inactive.
Crude Loading Resumes at Kharg Island's Western Terminal
A large crude carrier (VLCC) arrived at the Azarpad jetty at Kharg Island's western terminal on August 12 and loaded nearly 2 million barrels, according to maritime intelligence firms Windward and TankerTrackers.com. The 333-metre vessel had been offshore since July 11 before securing a berth.
Why Kharg Island Matters to Iran's Oil Exports
Kharg Island is central to Iran's oil trade, handling about 90% of the nation's crude exports and holding roughly 30 million barrels of storage. Operations were suspended on July 31 after a US naval blockade disrupted tanker movements. The shutdown had resulted in a substantial buildup of crude inventories.
How Iran Kept Oil Moving During the Interruption
Following the interruption, Iran had turned to alternative routes to keep oil moving. Activity at the North Larak anchorage has risen, while wet-cargo shipments from Russia to Iran have also registered a notable increase. According to Winward data, wet-cargo shipments from Russia to Iran increased by almost 2.9 times.
Alternative Routes Continue to Support Oil Flows
Although the blockade has severely disrupted Iran's main oil export route, it has managed to keep oil moving through alternative routes.
Kharg Island Oil Shipment Questions and Answers
What has resumed at Kharg Island?
Iran has restarted crude oil shipments from Kharg Island following a 25-day interruption.
How much crude did the VLCC load?
The vessel loaded nearly 2 million barrels at the Azarpad jetty at Kharg Island's western terminal.
Which Kharg Island facilities remain inactive?
Satellite pictures indicate that the eastern terminal and liquefied petroleum gas facility remain inactive.
How important is Kharg Island to Iran's crude exports?
The island handles about 90% of Iran's crude exports and holds roughly 30 million barrels of storage.
How has Iran kept oil moving during the disruption?
Iran has used alternative routes, including increased activity at the North Larak anchorage, while wet-cargo shipments from Russia to Iran have also increased.