Key facts
- Clean tanker owners are increasingly willing to transit the Strait of Hormuz directly.
- This willingness may reduce reliance on costly ship-to-ship transfers.
- The shift indicates growing confidence in regional navigation safety.
- Flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain below pre-conflict levels.
- QatarEnergy Marketing has increased its July Qatar Sulphur Price (QSP).
- The July QSP is $85 per ton higher than previous prices.
- The new July QSP is $890 per ton fob Ras Laffan/Mesaieed.
- Delivered costs to Chinese ports are estimated at $1,015-1,030 per ton.
- Freight rates to Chinese ports are implied in the delivered cost.
Owners of clean oil product tankers are increasingly considering direct voyages through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could decrease their dependence on costly ship-to-ship transfers. This growing willingness suggests an improved perception of safety for navigation in the region. Despite this increased confidence, the volume of product flows through the strait has not yet returned to the levels observed before the recent conflict. The shift indicates a cautious optimism among tanker operators regarding the security of maritime routes in the Persian Gulf.