Oil transfer activity in Gulf of Oman slows following ship attacks, data shows

Oil transfer activity between tankers outside the Strait of Hormuz has slowed after a wave of attacks on vessels by Iranian forces, according to Reuters analysis of satellite data and sources. Since late February, ship-to-ship (STS) transfers have helped move oil out of the Gulf despite risks around one of the world’s busiest chokepoints. Reuters reviewed imagery from July 18 showing just one pair of tankers conducting STS transfers off Oman, down from three pairs visible on July 11. Maritime sources told Reuters that only two or three STS transfers likely occurred in recent days. Meanwhile, sailings through the strait fell to an average of two supertankers per day over the past week, versus five the prior week, Clarksons reported. Each supertanker can carry up to 2 million barrels.