Oman becomes strategic maritime exit for Gulf oil transfers

Oman is increasingly serving as a strategic maritime corridor for oil transfers due to regional instability near the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Aramco has utilized the Omani port of Sohar for ship-to-ship transfers, moving approximately 60 million barrels of crude from Ras Tanura during September and October. This process allows oil to be moved to tankers positioned outside the Strait, providing an alternative to disrupted export routes.

However, trade sources indicate that ship-to-ship transfer capacity in the Gulf of Oman is approaching saturation. The operation requires specialized crews, significant anchorage space, and extensive coordination, testing the limits of Oman's infrastructure.

In a statement to the United Nations General Assembly, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi reaffirmed the Sultanate's commitment to safeguarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. Albusaidi emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve regional disputes and called for cooperation to protect the interests of those dependent on these maritime transit routes.