Massive Oil Tankers Navigate Unusual Route through Strait of Hormuz, Signaling Shipping Strategy Shift
In a rare maritime maneuver, three of the world’s largest oil and gas carriers , two supertankers each loaded with approximately 2 million barrels of crude and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel ,entered the Strait of Hormuz using an unconventional route along Oman’s coastline. This move appears to bypass the Iran-linked northern corridor, highlighting alternative shipping strategies amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to satellite tracking data, all three vessels were broadcasting Omani ownership while moving eastward into the strait on Thursday. Managed by Oman Ship Management Company, the ships’ course kept them outside the main shipping lanes and away from the Iranian-controlled northern route, where transit approvals are required. The company did not respond to requests for comment.
Since February 28, when US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a regional conflict, the Strait of Hormuz has been mostly restricted. Iran recently allowed limited passage for vessels of friendly nations through a northern route between Larak and Qeshm islands, but this path remains narrow and challenging for very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
Each of the two crude carriers involved in Thursday’s transit is carrying roughly 2 million barrels of oil. One tanker loaded in Saudi Arabia in late February and is destined for Kyaukpyu, Myanmar, connecting to pipelines supplying western China. The second tanker, carrying crude from Abu Dhabi, has an undisclosed destination. The LNG carrier, appearing empty on tracking data, may be the first gas vessel to leave the Gulf since the conflict began.
Tracking the vessels became difficult near the Musandam Peninsula, as all three ships stopped transmitting positions at around 9:30 a.m. London time. Maritime experts note that signal jamming and spoofing in the region have made real-time monitoring increasingly complex.
The strategic southern route along Oman’s coast not only helps avoid delays and additional fees, Iran reportedly plans to charge up to $2 million per vessel on the northern passage ,but also allows very large carriers to transit safely through deeper waters with fewer navigational challenges.
The move has immediate implications for global energy markets. Oil prices have already risen due to disrupted shipping lanes, and pressure is mounting on US policymakers. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are reportedly negotiating a protocol to better monitor vessel traffic through the strait, though Oman has not publicly confirmed details.
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with prior discussions of potential military action removed after objections from Russia and China.
Experts say the deviation of these three vessels along Oman’s coast underscores how shipping operators are exploring alternative routes to safeguard cargo, reduce costs, and maintain uninterrupted energy supply amid geopolitical uncertainty.
