Topic
Tankers Lng
Logistics Iran Blacklist Threatens Hormuz Shuttle Tanker Lifeline for Gulf Crude
Iran's blacklisting of 12 VLCCs at the core of the Hormuz shuttle trade threatens a workaround moving roughly one-third of Middle East Gulf crude exports. Three Indian refiners and a global energy major plan to stop using the vessels, and Braemar warns remaining Hormuz tonnage will command higher premiums.
Logistics KNOT Offshore Partners acquires modern shuttle tanker Hedda Knutsen from parent in $113m deal
KNOT Offshore Partners is acquiring the 2024-built shuttle tanker Hedda Knutsen from parent Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers in a $113m deal, taking its fleet to 20 vessels. The DP2 suezmax is under firm charter to Petrobras in Brazil until 2034, with an option to 2039. The partnership also completed a $225m refinancing with DNB Bank to replace debt due in September.
Logistics Middle East risk permanently repriced, Paratus CEO tells Splash Singapore
Paratus founder and group CEO Gus Majed told Splash247 that Middle East risk has been permanently repriced, with war-risk premiums, crew terms, charter clauses and alternative routes through Fujairah and Sohar now embedded in the market. Singapore's bunker sales rose to 28.2m tonnes in H1 2026 despite Hormuz disruption. Majed will chair the tanker session at Splash Singapore in September.
Logistics BW LPG India sells another aged VLGC in $64m disposal run
BW LPG India has agreed to sell the 2007-built VLGC BW Birch for about $64m in net cash, adding to a disposal run at the 52%-owned subsidiary of BW LPG. The sale follows the $64m disposal of sistership BW Elm and precedes a $940m newbuild programme of eight panamax VLGCs at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Logistics Medcare Linked to Five-Ship MR1 Tanker Order at China's Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry
Greek tanker owner Medcare Shipping has been linked to an order for up to five MR1 product and chemical tankers at China's Anhui Zhongrun Heavy Industry, according to Splash247. The Wuhu-based yard confirmed a contract with an unnamed Greek owner for two firm 41,000 dwt ships and three options. No contract price was disclosed, but market indications value the firm pair at about $96m.
Logistics Yangzijiang Maritime Moves Into Stainless Chemical Tankers With Taihua
Singapore-listed Yangzijiang Maritime Development has been linked to a 4+2 order for 28,000 dwt duplex stainless-steel chemical tankers at Zhoushan Ningxing Shipbuilding, alongside Taihua Ship Management. Market indications value the firm quartet at roughly $184m and the full six-ship package at about $276m, according to Splash247.
Logistics ADNOC L&S Exercises Options for Two LNG Carriers, Lifting Newbuild Programme to 20 Ships
ADNOC Logistics & Services has exercised options for two 175,000 cu m LNG carriers at Jiangnan Shipyard, adding $444m to its newbuild bill and lifting its LNG newbuild programme to 20 ships. The company has committed around $2.7bn to vessel acquisitions and newbuildings in 2026, including a $1.3bn deal for six VLCCs and five VLGCs.
Logistics SK Gas Pays Record $5.3m to Jump Panama Canal Queue Amid Drought
SK Gas smashed the Panama Canal auction record with a $5.3m bid to move an LPG carrier northbound on September 1, according to Splash247. The previous record of $4.6m was set only earlier this month. Congestion is worsening as the canal cuts daily booking capacity from 34 to 32 ships in mid-September.
Logistics Iran blacklists 45 tankers over Strait of Hormuz rules amid fresh US sanctions threat
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has blacklisted 45 tankers for allegedly violating its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention and cargo confiscation. The list includes vessels linked to ADNOC L&S, Navig8 Tankers, Bahri, Klaveness, Stolt Tankers and Sinokor. The move escalates tensions weeks after the US threatened 'the toughest sanctions in history' against Iran.
Logistics SPM Shipping enters gas shipping with $91m VLGC buy from Dorian LPG
Dubai-based SPM Shipping has entered gas shipping with the $91m purchase of the 2015-built, 84,000 cu m VLGC Clermont from Dorian LPG, according to Splash247. The deal, concluded in August, follows SPM Shipping's moves into capesize and VLCC segments. Dorian LPG has now sold three VLGCs this summer, with reported prices of $81.8m, $87.3m, and $91m.
Logistics Houthi Strike Hits Saudi VLCC Amzan Off Yanbu in Red Sea
A Saudi-owned VLCC, Amzan, was struck by an unknown projectile off Yanbu on August 24, causing a main deck fire but no casualties or pollution. The attack extends the Houthi campaign against Saudi shipping to the key Red Sea crude export route, where tanker calls have fallen by more than a third since a July 20 ban.
Logistics Hormuz compliance clash traps owners between Tehran and Washington
Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has blacklisted 45 vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening fines, detention and cargo confiscation, while the US warns that complying with Tehran's regime could trigger sanctions. The list includes ships linked to ADNOC Logistics, Bahri, Sinokor and others, with 14 already attacked. The US Treasury expanded secondary sanctions to shipping, targeting five shadow-fleet vessels.
Logistics Yangzijiang Maritime orders six product tankers in $320m Haifeng newbuild deal
Yangzijiang Maritime Development has ordered six product tanker newbuildings from Jiangsu Haifeng Shipbuilding in a deal valued at more than $320m, according to Splash247. The package of four MRs and two LR2s takes the company's reported tanker programme at the yard to 14 ships, with deliveries spanning 2028 through 2030.
Logistics Global ship orderbook growth hits fastest pace since pre-Lehman boom as orderbook swells 27%
Global shipbuilding orderbook growth reached 27% year-on-year, the fastest since the eve of the 2008 financial crisis, according to Splash247. Clarksons Research data shows 9,012 ships totalling 405.9m gt on order, with Greek and Chinese owners leading contracting. Industry executives at Posidonia warned that the record $2.4trn fleet-and-orderbook value may be signalling an overheated market.
Logistics Sinokor's $6bn Tanker Bet Pays Off as Hormuz Crisis Fuels VLCC Buying Spree
Sinokor Maritime has acquired 73 secondhand tankers for $5.925bn in 2026, matching the combined spend of the next eight largest buyers. With MSC taking 50% joint control and Hormuz disruptions pushing VLCC earnings toward $510,000 a day, the buying spree has lifted asset prices to 2008 levels.
Logistics Seacon Shipping refinances chemical tanker quartet in $103.4m sale-and-leaseback switch
Seacon Shipping is refinancing four 18,500 dwt chemical tankers in a $103.4m sale-and-leaseback switch that cuts financing margins by 50 to 65 basis points, according to Splash247. The Qingdao-based, Hong Kong-listed owner is moving three vessels to Guangzhou Yuexiu Financial Leasing and one to Tianjin Maxwealth Changyang No.4 Leasing, replacing AVIC-backed leases from 2024. The deal is expected to close by the end of August.
Logistics Sonangol offloads 19-year-old suezmax Sonangol Namibe for nearly $50m
Sonangol has sold the 19-year-old suezmax tanker Sonangol Namibe for just under $50m, according to Splash247. The deal highlights continued strength in secondhand crude carrier values and follows CMB.Tech's record sale of the modern suezmax Bristol.
Logistics Cetus Maritime's Tabitha Logan: Shipping must move beyond AI buzzwords at Splash Singapore
Cetus Maritime's Tabitha Logan will tell Splash Singapore that shipping must move beyond AI hype toward practical execution and human trust. She argues AI should reduce crew burden, not add screens, and calls for universal data standards and watertight cyber security.
Logistics Wary of Red Sea Risks, Asian Refiners Push Saudi Aramco to Shift Crude Loadings
Asian refiners are reluctant to lift Saudi crude at Yanbu on the Red Sea and have asked Aramco to switch September cargoes to Egypt's Sidi Kerir. The shift follows Houthi attacks on tankers, and higher Africa-rerouting costs could push at least one refiner to skip its monthly allocation.
Logistics Dark Transits Keep Hormuz Oil Flowing as ADNOC Vessels Face New Attacks
Hormuz oil flows persist near 9 million barrels per day despite fresh attacks on ADNOC ships, as risk-tolerant tankers run dark and transfer cargo to mainstream operators off Oman. Satellite data shows ~150 vessels floating off Oman, up from ~40 in January, while ADNOC reports 19 vessels attacked. The Joint Maritime Information Center rates the threat as severe.
Logistics Sanctioned Tankers Dominate 58% of 2026 Scrapping as Demolition Stays at Historic Lows
According to Clarksons Research, sanctioned tankers account for 58% of all reported tanker demolition sales so far in 2026, even as overall ship recycling remains near historic lows. The data highlights a structural shift in scrapping, with shadow fleet tonnage being permanently removed from circulation.
Logistics Pantheon Tankers Returns to MR Newbuilds With Two-Vessel China Order at COSCO Guangdong
Pantheon Tankers, led by Anna Angelicoussis, has returned to the MR newbuilding market with a two-vessel order at COSCO Guangdong Shipyard in China, according to Splash247. The 50,000 dwt newbuilds are the company's first purpose-built MR programme since a six-ship series from STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in 2019. The deal extends a fleet renewal drive increasingly centered on Chinese yards, spanning LR2/aframax, LNG dual-fuel suezmax, and VLCC newbuilds.
Logistics Seven Workers Dead in Toxic Gas Leak at Bangladesh Shipbreaking Yard
Seven workers died in a toxic gas leak at Ferdous Steel Ship Recycling Industries in Bhatiyari, Sitakunda, Bangladesh, according to Splash247. Two died at the yard and five at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Bangladesh's Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments is investigating the cause and the adequacy of safety measures at the Hong Kong Convention-authorised facility.
Logistics Minsheng steps up tanker push with $500m VLCC order at Jiangsu New Hantong
Minsheng Financial Leasing has ordered four 319,000 dwt VLCCs at Jiangsu New Hantong in a deal worth about $500m, tied to Clearlake Shipping. The Chinese lessor also expanded its Shell-backed MR tanker programme to 11 vessels and is building four LNG carriers for Shell Singapore.
Logistics Rhine crisis prompts HGK to call for €12.5bn European shallow-water fleet build
German inland shipping group HGK is calling for a government-backed €12.5bn programme to build 1,000 shallow-water-capable vessels across Europe by 2035, according to Splash247. The push comes as Rhine water levels at the Kaub gauge fall to 16 cm, limiting cargo capacity. HGK warns that about 80% of dry cargo tonnage was built in the last century, with only 13 new dry cargo ships and 38 tankers added in 2024.
Logistics Golar LNG orders fourth FLNG unit at CIMC Raffles as it exits LNG carrier shipping
Golar LNG has ordered a fourth MKII FLNG from CIMC Raffles for about $2.45bn, lifting its controlled liquefaction capacity 41% to more than 12 mtpa. The unit is due by end-2029, following a first MKII unit that starts a 20-year charter with Southern Energy off Argentina in 2028. Golar also sold its last LNG carrier in early 2025, exiting LNG shipping after 50 years.
Logistics SK Shipping takes aim at Asia LNG top spot in H-Line tanker swap
SK Shipping will double its LNG carrier fleet to 32 ships through a 28-vessel swap with sister company H-Line, according to Splash247. The deal makes it Asia's largest LNG carrier operator and third largest globally, with charters to Vitol, ExxonMobil, Petronas and QatarEnergy. SK Shipping also exits tankers via asset transfers including a prior VLCC sale to Pan Ocean.
Logistics UAE's Adnoc offers shuttle service for Iraqi oil exports through Strait of Hormuz
According to Bloomberg, Adnoc is offering to shuttle Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz using dark-transit tactics. Iraq's SOMO has cut Basrah Medium prices by $25–$27 a barrel for Hormuz-bound volumes, while exports jumped to about 2 million bpd this month.
Logistics Cages, Convoys and Coastal Routes: Russian Shipping Adapts to Drone Threat
Russia-linked merchant shipping is adding anti-drone cages, coastal routing and armed-guard proposals to counter Ukraine's drone campaign in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, according to Splash247. The campaign has hit over 200 vessels per Ukraine's claims, restricted Azov shipping, suspended FESCO and Kalyon services, and triggered a US-brokered pause on strikes at Novorossiysk.
Logistics Trump Extends Jones Act Waiver Another 90 Days; Analysts See 'Pennies per Gallon'
President Trump extended the Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, allowing international vessels to move gas, fertilizer and other commodities between U.S. ports. Analysts say the direct effect on retail fuel prices is pennies per gallon, limited by high tanker rates, even as 54 million barrels of energy products moved under the exemption since March. The waiver adds Gulf-to-West Coast flexibility and new propane flows to Puerto Rico but remains a temporary 'band-aid,' according to Cato Institute analysts.
Logistics Pemont adds two LR2 newbuilds to Navigazione Montanari fleet renewal push
Navigazione Montanari, through Malta-based affiliate Pemont, has ordered two LR2 product tankers at China's Hengli Heavy Industry. The vessels, if built to Hengli's standard 114,000 dwt design, will become the largest ships in Pemont's fleet. Price, delivery dates and propulsion details have not been disclosed, according to Splash247.
Logistics CMB.TECH Locks In $57m Gain on Two-Year-Old Suezmax in Q4 Delivery
CMB.TECH has sold the 2024-built suezmax Bristol, locking in a gain of about $56.9m, according to Splash247. The sale is part of a 2026 tanker disposal programme that has generated around $620m in announced gains. Proceeds will be used to repay debt and fund shareholder distributions.
Logistics Rhine cut in two as European drought cripples inland shipping
The Rhine is on the verge of being effectively cut in two as the Kaub bottleneck drops to record low water, threatening to split Germany's inland navigation system. Drought is also draining the Danube to record lows and halting Dutch canal traffic, driving up barge freight rates and straining road and rail alternatives.
Logistics Dynacom’s Hengli VLCC Program Reaches 20 as Procopiou Orders Four More
Greek owner Dynacom Tankers has expanded its VLCC order at Hengli Heavy Industry to 20 ships with a new four-vessel contract. Four units from the programme are already delivered, and the group is linked to additional VLCC tonnage at Hudong-Zhonghua, according to Splash247.
Logistics d'Amico International Shipping reclaims MR tanker High Discovery from lease for $15.3m
d'Amico International Shipping is exercising a $15.3m purchase option on the MR tanker High Discovery, bringing it back into full ownership from a 2022 sale-and-leaseback deal. The transfer to d'Amico Tankers is expected in early November, reducing the company's bareboat-chartered fleet from two vessels to one while owned tonnage rises to 27. CEO Carlos di Mottola said the purchase will further reduce financial leverage and cash breakeven.
Logistics US Sends Seized Shadow Fleet Tankers to Scrap as GMS Wins Recycling Licences
The US has started sending seized shadow fleet tankers to scrap yards, permanently removing them from circulation. GMS won US Treasury licences to recycle four sanctioned ships, and estimates it could remove over 100 shadow tankers a year if a licensing regime develops.
Logistics Minsheng expands Shell-backed MR tanker programme to 11 newbuilds
Minsheng Financial Leasing has expanded its Shell-backed MR tanker programme at Guangzhou Shipyard International to 11 ships, adding five newbuildings. All 11 vessels will be chartered to Shell Tankers, with delivery estimated between 2029 and 2030. Prices for the latest five are estimated at $228m to $230m.
Logistics South Korea moves to build one of Asia's largest ship recycling hubs
South Korea's Elegant Exit Company, RM Company, and ISSAC Green Tech have signed an MoU for a large-scale ship dismantling hub, according to Splash247. Japan's NYK and Oono Development are targeting a 2028 recycling startup at Chita. The moves follow the Hong Kong Convention entering into force in June 2025 and South Korea's accession last December.
Logistics ADNOC L&S spends $1.3bn on six VLCCs and five VLGCs in tanker swoop
ADNOC Logistics & Services has committed $1.3bn to acquire 11 tankers — six VLCCs and five VLGCs — via secondhand and newbuild resale deals. Nine ships arrive in Q3, two VLGC newbuild resales in Q4, lifting its VLCC fleet to 14 and VLGC fleet to 12.
Logistics China Merchants Energy Shipping exercises option for second DSIC shuttle tanker
China Merchants Energy Shipping has exercised an option for a second 154,000 dwt shuttle tanker at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, confirming a two-ship debut in the specialised sector. The pair is valued at about RMB1.79bn with delivery in 2028. The order is part of a larger tanker newbuilding programme including ten VLCCs and five aframaxes.
Logistics Strait of Hormuz Reopening Hinges on Iran-Oman 60-Day Framework Deal
A U.S.-Iran standoff has cut Strait of Hormuz transits to eight vessels on Aug. 5, down from 100-plus daily before the conflict, while Iran and Oman finalize a proposed 60-day reopening framework, according to FreightWaves. The plan would route inbound vessels near Iran and outbound vessels on an Omani-side route with no transit fees, but a return to normal tanker, LNG and container flows requires weeks of incident-free transits, clear routing protocols and a stable U.S.-Iran agreement.
Logistics Excelerate picks up LNG carrier for first FSRU conversion, fleet charters expand
US-listed Excelerate Energy has acquired the 2010-built LNG carrier Methane Patricia Camila for $79m, earmarking the vessel for its first FSRU conversion, according to Splash247. The company also fixed the FSRU Express on a seven-year charter for a new Colombian LNG terminal and started the Excelerate Acadia on a nine-month charter at Jordan's Aqaba LNG terminal. Commercial deployment of the converted unit is expected in early 2028.
Logistics Tufton-backed Stainless Tankers to sell remaining six chemical tankers in fleet exit
Oslo-listed Stainless Tankers, backed by Tufton, plans to sell its six remaining chemical tankers within 18 months, exiting the fleet. The six Japanese-built IMO II vessels trade in the Womar pool. The company has sold three ships already and returned most proceeds to investors.
Logistics Bruton fixes second VLCC at $105,700 per day in 12-15 month charter
Tor Olav Trøim-backed Bruton has fixed its second VLCC newbuilding, the 300,000 dwt Mount Horizon, at a net rate of $105,700 per day for 12 to 15 months. The rate tops the $95,000 per day first nine months secured for its first VLCC, Mount Vision, giving the pair an average of about $101,000 per day, according to Splash247.
Logistics Centrofin linked to six-ship LR2 tanker order at China’s Titan Wind Energy
Splash247 reports that Centrofin has been linked to an order for six 114,000 dwt LR2 tankers at China’s Titan Wind Energy, a deal valued at up to $480m. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in batches during 2028 and 2029. This is Titan Wind’s second conventional tanker contract in less than two weeks.
Logistics Iran and Oman close in on new Hormuz traffic regime with carrier fees
Iran and Oman are expected to unveil a new Strait of Hormuz traffic arrangement imminently, with routes split between Iranian and Omani waters and proposed service fees of 5-7% of cargo value. The plan faces opposition from the US and eight shipping associations, while Houthi attacks continue to disrupt Gulf shipping.
Logistics Panama Canal Cuts Neopanamax Draft to 47.5 Feet as El Niño Strengthens
The Panama Canal is cutting neopanamax draft to 48 feet on August 26 and 47.5 feet on September 3 as falling Gatun Lake levels and a strengthening El Niño revive memories of the 2023-2024 drought crisis. The Panama Canal Authority says the measures are precautionary and transit volumes remain unchanged.
Logistics Energy Secretary signals Jones Act waiver extension as pump prices remain elevated
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said another temporary Jones Act waiver extension is likely, as the existing exemption has helped lower fuel prices in California and the East Coast. The current waiver expires August 16, and the White House is expected to extend it, though analysts say the impact on pump prices is small. Maritime groups and some Republican lawmakers oppose further extensions.
Logistics Greece's Nautilus Makes Tanker Newbuild Debut at Wuhu Shipyard
Greek shipowner Nautilus Management has placed its first tanker newbuilding order — up to two MR1 product and chemical carriers at China's Wuhu Shipyard. The deal includes one firm 41,000 dwt vessel and an option for a second, with deliveries scheduled from Q3 2028 into early 2029.
Logistics Frontline Agrees to Sell Two VLCCs for $270m in Market-Clearing Deal
John Fredriksen's Frontline has agreed to sell two 2017-built VLCCs for $270m, or $135m per ship, in a deal analysts at SEB described as market-clearing. The sale is expected to generate a $110m gain and fund a $0.80 per share dividend, while revealing strong one-year charter rates of up to $110,000 per day.
Logistics Chinese Lessors Use Malta Flag to Rebuild European Ship Financing
Chinese ship leasing companies are rebuilding European business by registering vessels under Malta's flag, offering aggressive rates while using EU flag administration to mitigate China-related compliance risks, according to Splash247. The strategy relies on Malta's new finance charter instrument and has put around 130 Malta-flagged ships in Chinese hands, spanning LNG carriers, containerships, tankers and bulkers.
Logistics Indian Vessel Sunk in Suspected Houthi Bomb-Boat Attack; Oil Spill Off Oman Expands Sharply
A suspected Houthi bomb-boat attack sank the Indian-flagged cargo vessel Faize Noore Oliya in the southern Red Sea on Tuesday, with all 14 crew rescued. Separately, an oil spill from the sanctions-listed tanker Caroline Bezengi off Oman has expanded to about 150 sq km, threatening a protected marine area.
Logistics Trimac acquires California Freight, expanding bulk food-grade logistics across Central Valley
Trimac Transportation announced Tuesday that it has acquired California Freight, a bulk food-grade logistics provider serving California and Nevada with eight terminals, about 500 tractors, and more than 400,000 square feet of food-grade storage. The deal expands Trimac into liquid food-grade transportation; financial terms were not disclosed.
Logistics Torm tied to up to eight MR newbuildings at China's Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard
Shipbroking sources have linked Danish product tanker giant Torm to an order for up to eight 50,000 dwt MR newbuildings at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, according to Splash247. Six firm vessels priced at about $46m each, plus two options, would be worth $276m firm and up to $368m if all options are exercised. The contract remains unconfirmed, with delivery pencilled in for 2029 and 2030.
Logistics Arcadia Shipmanagement expands newbuild programme with Hengli LR2 tanker trio
Greek tanker owner Arcadia Shipmanagement has ordered three aframax/LR2 newbuildings at China's Hengli Heavy Industries, lifting its tanker orderbook to nine vessels. The 114,000 dwt ships are scheduled for 2028 delivery, with pricing and technical specifications still undisclosed, according to Splash247. The order adds to a programme that includes aframax/LR2s from Dalian Shipbuilding and suezmaxes from HD Hyundai Samho.
Logistics Middle East Oil Tanker Threat Worst Since Iran War Began, Analysts Warn
Threat to oil tankers in the Middle East is at its worst since the Iran war began, as Strait of Hormuz transits fall to single digits and Houthi attacks target Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. Kpler data shows Hormuz traffic down from 100+ ships per day to 8-11, while Red Sea volume sits at 50% of pre-attack levels. Hapag-Lloyd warns restoring normal flows could take three to four months even if the strait reopens.
Logistics Ditaş doubles down on suezmaxes with Samsung Heavy Industries brace
Turkish tanker owner Ditaş has ordered four suezmax newbuildings at Samsung Heavy Industries and DH Shipbuilding. Parent company Tüpraş confirmed the four-ship programme, worth more than $370m. The additions will triple Ditaş's suezmax fleet to six ships and lift capacity to nearly 943,000 dwt, according to Splash247.
Logistics Navigator Gas secures $121.8m financing for two ammonia-fuelled carrier newbuilds
Navigator Gas has secured $121.8m in financing for two ammonia-fuelled gas carrier newbuilds developed with Amon Maritime, covering about 70% of the combined $168m price. The 51,530 cu m ships are under construction in China for 2028 delivery, with Yara Clean Ammonia taking five-year charters.
Logistics Tanker Asset Values Stay Red Hot as Sale and Purchase Activity Accelerates
Tanker asset values remain red hot heading into August, with sale and purchase (S&P) activity accelerating across chemical, VLCC and LR2 segments, according to Splash247. Reported deals include Nisshin Shipping's $30m chemical tanker sale, CMB.TECH's ninth VLCC sale at about $122.8m, and Velos Tankers' LR2 sale at $50m. The transactions underline sharply rising asset values and robust demand for both modern and vintage tonnage.
Logistics Saudi's Yanbu Port Sees Busiest Day Since Houthi Blockade as Tankers Run Dark
Business-Today reported that Saudi Arabia's Yanbu terminal appeared to log its busiest day since Houthi threats disrupted Red Sea shipping, with five VLCCs at its oil-loading berths. Tankers carrying Saudi crude, including the Lesvos and Desh Vaibhav, are transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with transponders switched off, and exports are being rerouted via Egypt's Sidi Kerir and around Africa. Persian Gulf crude outflows reached 8.4 million barrels on Friday despite rising security risks.