UAE and Kuwait boost naphtha exports to Asia

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have significantly increased naphtha exports to Asia by utilizing ship-to-ship (STS) transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz. This shift has supported increased output for Asian petrochemical producers.

Data indicates that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) shipped approximately 1.6 million metric tons, or 14 million barrels, of naphtha during August and September. This represents a substantial increase from the 700,000 tons recorded in March and April during periods of trade disruption. Combined, the two companies exported nearly 5 million tons during this period, primarily to Asian markets.

To facilitate these transfers, ADNOC Maritime International Chartering loaded roughly 1.5 million tons onto 25 vessels for STS operations off the coast of Sohar, Oman. Analysts note that direct loadings from Fujairah, including re-exports and naphtha transported by truck from other UAE ports, have also risen. While KPC shipped approximately 180,000 tons across three cargoes, ADNOC remains a primary driver of the increased volume.