Dozens of supertankers loaded with approximately 80 million barrels of crude oil are anchored in the Persian Gulf, ready to transit the Strait of Hormuz the moment shipping companies decide conditions are safe enough to proceed, according to ShippingWatch, citing data from analytics firm Vortexa as reported by Bloomberg News.
The cargo is spread across 40 very large crude carriers (VLCCs), all carrying non-sanctioned crude oil. The actual volume could be even greater if smaller tankers operating in the region are factored in. For context, roughly 15 million barrels per day were shipped from the region to Asia last year, according to ShippingWatch.
Signs of Movement, But Risks Remain
Despite the standby situation, there are early signs of cautious movement. Three Saudi supertankers were spotted in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, indicating they had already passed through the strait. ShippingWatch also reports that nearly 10 million barrels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday alone, as a degree of optimism appears to be giving some operators enough confidence to proceed.
However, the picture is far from settled. BIMCO, the international shipping organization whose membership includes major shipping companies, is actively warning against transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing what it describes as significant and ongoing security risks to shipping.
Does This Matter to You?
The volume of oil held in the Persian Gulf — and the uncertainty surrounding Hormuz — carries real weight across the maritime and energy supply chain. With 80 million barrels of crude effectively in a holding pattern, decisions made in the coming days by tanker operators and charterers will have a direct bearing on crude availability, freight rates, and voyage planning.
The conflicting signals — cautious movement by some vessels versus active warnings from BIMCO — reflect the difficult risk calculations currently facing those with commercial interests in the region. How the strait situation evolves will influence bunker demand patterns, route selection, and insurance risk assessments in the near term.
The situation remains fluid, and ShippingWatch reports that uncertainty around conditions in the Strait of Hormuz has not been fully resolved.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch (citing Bloomberg News and Vortexa data)
