Three crude oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of Middle Eastern crude exited the Strait of Hormuz last week and on Sunday with their tracking systems switched off, according to shipping data from Kpler and LSEG, highlighting growing security concerns linked to the regional conflict.
Two very large crude carriers, Agios Fanourios I and Kiara M, each loaded with 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude, successfully passed through the strategic waterway on Sunday after previous disruptions and delays in transit attempts.
The Agios Fanourios I is scheduled to deliver its cargo to Vietnam’s Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical complex on May 26 after earlier failed efforts to leave the Gulf since loading crude on April 17.
Shipping data also showed the Kiara M exited the Gulf with its transponder disabled, although the final destination of the San Marino-flagged vessel remains unclear.
Separately, the VLCC Basrah Energy transported 2 million barrels of Abu Dhabi Upper Zakum crude after departing ADNOC’s Zirku terminal on May 1 and clearing the Strait of Hormuz on May 6.
The Panama-flagged tanker later discharged its cargo at the Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminals on May 8, according to vessel tracking records.
Industry data suggests several operators have increasingly switched off vessel trackers while crossing the Strait to reduce exposure to potential Iranian attacks amid heightened tensions in the Gulf.
ADNOC and regional crude buyers have accelerated efforts to move oil cargoes stranded inside the Gulf as the Middle East conflict threatens the security of one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global crude exports, making any disruption to tanker movement a major concern for international energy markets.
Ship managers and owners linked to the vessels involved did not immediately respond to requests for comment.