Iran reroutes oil flow as loading resumes at Kharg Island terminal

Iran has restarted crude loading at Kharg Island's western terminal after a 25-day shutdown, according to maritime intelligence firms. The resumption occurred on August 12, as reported by Windward, a maritime AI company that tracks operational intelligence. Satellite images revealed a large crude carrier, measuring 333 meters, berthed and loading for the first time since July 18, after waiting offshore since July 11.

The eastern terminal and LPG facility remained idle, while 16 to 17 tankers lingered in the offshore waiting area, as per Windward's data. In a separate report, TankerTrackers.com noted that a National Iranian Tanker Company VLCC was loading approximately two million barrels of crude at the Azarpad jetty on Kharg Island, marking the first loading since late July.

However, while crude exports continue at strong levels, LNG exports from the terminal have declined, according to TankerTrackers.com. Iran's oil production aligns with refinery runs and domestic consumption, suggesting the country may not need to export as much crude. In addition to Kharg Island, Iran has expanded its maritime routes by developing alternative channels, including the North Larak anchorage, which now hosts 35 vessels, with 74% dark vessels.

The Caspian Sea is also gaining importance, with Russia-to-Iran wet-cargo movements rising by 2.9 times, from eight to 23 shipments in the last 164 days. This shift indicates Iran's strategic redirection of cargo through alternative anchorage and inland-connected routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has significantly disrupted Iran's main oil-export artery.