UAE Weighs Plans for Third Strait of Hormuz Bypass Pipeline

The United Arab Emirates is considering plans for an additional pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, expanding crude capacity and minimizing exposure to Iranian disruption. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) is reportedly evaluating the potential third pipeline, which would link Abu Dhabi's western coast to Fujairah on the eastern coast.

This pipeline could supply Asian customers, offering an alternative route around the critical maritime chokepoint. The UAE has previously constructed a pipeline that has been in operation since 2012, stretching 252 miles from Habshan in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman. This existing pipeline has a capacity of 1.5 million barrels a day, with the possibility of expansion to 1.8 million barrels.

Earlier this year, the UAE unveiled a second pipeline, the West-East Pipeline, slated for completion in 2027 and expected to double export capacity through Fujairah. Fujairah is situated outside the Hormuz chokepoint, allowing tankers to load crude without entering the Persian Gulf. Adnoc has clarified to Bloomberg that the reported plans for a third pipeline are not accurate and are merely speculative.

The UAE is not alone in its efforts to augment pipeline routes around Hormuz; several US-aligned Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, are also expanding their pipeline infrastructure. Kuwait is even contemplating new pipelines. Collectively, these projects might weaken Iran's influence over Gulf crude flows, impacting US politics with a Democratic victory in the midterms.