Loading Resumes at Kharg Island's West Terminal After 25 Days

Loading of VLCC-class oil tankers has resumed at the west terminal of Iran's Kharg Island after a 25-day hiatus. The eastern oil terminal and LPG terminal remain empty, indicating limitations in the normalization process. Maritime information provider Windward confirmed that a VLCC-class tanker docked at the west terminal and began loading at 5:52 PM on August 12. This marks the first operation at this terminal since July 18. Data from August 13 also shows the same tanker continuing to load. Kharg Island is a key hub for Iran's crude oil exports, with no departures recorded from July 31 to August 11. The resumption does not immediately signify a return to normal export levels, as the eastern oil terminal was empty on the 14th, and the LPG terminal was empty on the 17th. Sixteen dark tankers remain in the waiting area. Dark tankers refer to vessels that have turned off or manipulated their AIS, making it difficult to track their movements. Kharg Island had been inactive since mid-July, and the resumption at the west terminal is seen more as a partial return rather than a full restoration of the export network. U.S. sanctions and maritime blockade pressures continue, with the U.S. Central Command resuming maritime blockades on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The resumption of loading at Kharg Island is interpreted as a signal that part of the export network has begun to move again, but further assessment is needed to directly link crude oil supply and risk asset sentiment.

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