Oil Moved at Sea as Iran Restricts Hormuz Traffic

The United States is coordinating an unusual logistical operation in the Gulf of Oman to mitigate the impact of restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Reuters investigation.

Oil is being transferred between tankers in international waters off the coasts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, with the network monitored by US military assets, including drones and helicopters.

More than 100 vessels have participated in the operation since early May, with an estimated 90 million barrels of oil transferred through ship-to-ship exchanges. The aim is to maintain energy supplies to global markets after Iran significantly restricted traffic through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.

Analysts warn, however, that the arrangement is both temporary and risky.

The vessels involved in the operation are sailing without standard identification systems and often switch off their navigation lights at night, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions.

(Reuters, mja)