ADNOC Covertly Ships 6 Million Barrels Through Strait of Hormuz

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) exported at least 6 million barrels of Upper Zakum and Das crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz in April. To avoid detection by Iran, which has effectively shut the strait to non-Iranian exports since February 28, ADNOC disabled tanker transponders for the operations.

Four vessels were identified in the covert shipments. The Hafeet transferred cargo to the Olympic Luck for delivery to Malaysia, while the Aliakmon I discharged in Oman. Additionally, the Odessa and Zouzou N delivered shipments to South Korea. These movements occurred despite significant security threats, including a recent Iranian drone attack on the empty ADNOC tanker Barakah.

While other Gulf producers, including Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar, have either halted or severely reduced sales, ADNOC is attempting to maintain its supply chain. The company is currently negotiating with Asian refiners to facilitate May loadings through ship-to-ship transfers at ports in Fujairah and Sohar, outside the immediate Gulf zone.