Saudi Aramco has resumed oil loading operations at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf, according to shipping data from LSEG, following a hiatus of nearly four months.
The data indicates that two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) were observed loading crude oil at the facility, with an additional vessel awaiting its turn. Each VLCC has the capacity to carry two million barrels of oil.
The last recorded oil cargo departure from the Ras Tanura port, destined for China, was on March 8. Subsequently, all exports were rerouted to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This redirection was necessitated by an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which impeded maritime traffic into the Gulf during a period of conflict.
The resumption of operations at Ras Tanura comes as Middle Eastern producers are reportedly increasing their output and export volumes. This ramp-up is occurring in the aftermath of an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating hostilities.
Saudi Aramco could not be immediately reached for comment outside of standard business hours.
