Qatari crude loaded with UAE oil on tanker bound for Japan
On Monday, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen severed ties, including all air, land and sea transport links with Qatar over accusations of supporting terrorism.
Officials with the Qatari government deny the the accusation.
Despite the move by the five Middle Eastern states, exports of Qatari crude have not been impacted by the ban. Thomson Reuters Eikon shipping data shows tankers are being loaded with Qatari grades alongside with cargoes from the UAE.
According to a Reuters report, Abu Dhabi port authorities have eased restrictions on oil tankers traveling to and from Qatar.
A new shipping circular released by Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Authority issued on Wednesday removed prior restrictions on non-Qatar owned, flagged or operated vessels sailing in and out of Qatar.
A Singapore-based shipbroker told Reuters the easing of restrictions means direct trade between the two ports will continue as will co-loading of crude cargoes.
As well, a Middle East-based industry source says there has been no official notification on halting the co-loading of crude cargoes, but the ban on vessels carrying the Qatari flags or vessels owned and operated by Qatar remains in place.
Reuters reports there are few Qatari-flagged or owned vessels, reducing the impact of the ban on the market.
Early on Wednesday, the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Apollo Dream loaded Abu Dhabi’s Upper Zakum crude after taking a cargo of Qatar Marine onboard.
The Panamanian-flagged vessel which is managed and chartered by Japanese refiner Idemsitsu Kosan loaded the Qatari crude at Halul Island on June 5-6, before traveling to Abu Dhabi’ Zirku Island to load Upper Zakum crude.
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On Monday, the Ports Authority in Saudi Arabia told shipping agents to not accept Qatari flagged or owned vessels. Qatari goods would not be accepted in Saudi ports.
Saudi’s Ras Tanura oil port issued a notice on Wednesday reinforcing the restrictions, according to a notice seen by Reuters.
Another industry source said the notice indicated the co-loading of cargos at Saudi ports would be allowed.
