Iran Routes Around Blockade with Alternative Shipping Routes

Iran has restarted crude loading at its Kharg Island oil terminal after a 25-day pause, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward. The terminal came back online on August 12, with satellite imagery showing a very large crude carrier (VLCC) taking on cargo for the first time since July 18.

Windward stated that Iran is not waiting for the blockade to end but is instead routing around it. The company noted that tanker loading activity has been observed at other locations, and crude exports remain robust despite a decline in LNG shipments from Kharg Island.

The recent activity highlights a shift in Tehran's maritime approach, with the country developing alternative shipping routes in response to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. This includes increased use of the Caspian Sea, where Russia-to-Iran wet-cargo shipments rose 2.9 times to 23 in the 164 days after the February 28 blockade.