SAUDI ARAMCO RESUMES LOADINGS INSIDE HORMUZ DESPITE TANKER RISK

Developing story: Vessel schedules, cargo grades, tanker safety, Aramco offerings and Red Sea alternatives may change as new shipping data become available.

Saudi Aramco has resumed oil loadings from inside the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week halt linked to attacks on its tanker fleet, offering a limited but important sign that some crude is still moving through the world’s most dangerous energy chokepoint. Reuters reported that three very large crude carriers loaded Saudi crude between Aug. 12 and Aug. 16.

The ships identified by shipping data were the Malaysia Prosperity, Algeria Prosperity and Singapore Prosperity, each of which loaded about 2 million barrels of crude from Saudi terminals at Juaymah and Ras Tanura. Data from Vortexa and Kpler showed a gap of three weeks since the last loading at the ports, Reuters reported.

The resumption matters because it shows Saudi Arabia is testing ways to keep exports moving while Hormuz remains unstable. Aramco has offered Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude cargoes to Asian refiners for loading via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, according to traders and shipping data cited by Reuters.

Heavy crude supply is especially important because it produces more residue fuel and can be refined into gasoline, diesel and other products. If heavy grades remain constrained, refineries configured for them may face higher costs or reduced flexibility. Saudi cargoes can therefore ease a specific pressure point even if total Gulf flows remain far below normal.

The move does not mean the Hormuz crisis is resolved. Iran says the strait will not fully reopen until the United States meets its conditions, and a ship was struck by a projectile off Oman early Tuesday. Shipping companies are still operating in an environment of uncertain security, higher insurance risk and possible military escalation.

Saudi exports also remain constrained by the Red Sea situation. Reuters reported that Aramco has faced a Houthi blockade in the Red Sea and has diverted some exports to Yanbu and Egypt’s Sidi Kerir terminal. Those alternatives are not replacing pre-blockade volumes, and longer routes and higher costs are discouraging some buyers.

The resumed loadings may rely more heavily on Saudi-controlled or carefully selected vessels. Reuters reported that seven very large crude carriers owned by Saudi-based operator Bahri were floating off the UAE and Oman, with two more heading to Fujairah. That suggests Riyadh is preparing capacity while still navigating risk.

What is confirmed is that Saudi Aramco resumed some crude loadings inside the Strait of Hormuz and that more vessels may load later this month. What remains unresolved is whether those movements can scale, whether attacks will deter additional transits, and whether Asian buyers will accept higher risk and costs tied to the route.

Fact-check date: August 18, 2026. Article type: News. Sources: Reuters; Kpler; Vortexa. Developing note: Vessel schedules, cargo grades, tanker safety, Aramco offerings and Red Sea alternatives may change as new shipping data become available.