Saudi Aramco is examining new Hormuz-bypass pipeline routes to further strengthen its resilience, and Oman’s port of Duqm appears to be emerging as the preferred conduit.
The company’s existing 7mn b/d East-West bypass pipeline to Yanbu proved its value through the first seven months of the Hormuz crisis, but Aramco wants more optionality given the long-term risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. As the 10 September attack on the East-West pipeline system demonstrated, any damage to the pipeline leaves Aramco reliant on high-risk transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Aramco therefore wants to develop at least one new alternative route to market to further strengthen resilience, and was examining options even prior to last month’s attack (MEES, 25 September). (CONTINUED - 1270 WORDS)
