How the US Secretly Managed Gulf Oil Flows Amidst Hormuz Blockade

The Middle East crisis has disrupted one of the world's most critical energy arteries, causing massive ripples in global economies. To counter the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has deployed a covert ship-to-ship transfer operation to ensure crude oil continues to reach international markets.

Adopting the "Sanctions-Busting" Playbook

In a surprising tactical shift, the US military has adopted methods traditionally associated with Iran’s own sanctions-evasion techniques. Rather than providing traditional naval escorts, the US military has taken direct control of a secretive ship-to-ship transfer system. This operation involves intensive aerial surveillance, rigorous compliance checks, and constant monitoring to ensure energy exports move despite the heightened regional tensions.

The operation, which began in early May, utilizes a two-tier maritime strategy. Smaller tankers navigate the high-risk waters of the Strait of Hormuz before meeting larger Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at offshore hubs. These transfers are concentrated at two primary locations: Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates and a secondary hub near Oman’s port of Sohar.

The Mechanics of the Secretive Transfer System

The logistics of this operation are highly disciplined to avoid detection and Iranian interference. To maintain safety and secrecy, tankers follow a strict protocol:

• Staggered Movement: Vessels depart at intervals to ensure they remain approximately 3,000 to 4,000 metres apart.
• Stealth Tactics: Ships are required to switch off their transponders and dim all lights during transit to minimize their electronic and visual footprint.
• Extended Transfers: The process of transferring oil from smaller vessels to VLCCs is time-intensive, taking between 24 and 40 hours to complete.

The US Navy's Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping office in Bahrain manages the process, vetting shipping companies through strict compliance checks before assigning transit slots. Satellite imagery suggests the operation peaked on June 11, with 17 pairs of ships conducting transfers simultaneously across the two hubs.

Operesheni kwa Takwimu: Athari na Hatari

Ingawa operesheni hii imekuwa muhimu kwa ajili ya kudumisha kiwango fulani cha usambazaji, kiwango cha usumbufu bado ni kikubwa. Kulingana na picha za satelaiti na data za usafirishaji, inakadiriwa kuwa angalau barili milioni 90 za mafuta ghafi na bidhaa za petroli zimepitishwa kupitia mtandao huu wa baharini tangu mapema Mei. Hata hivyo, hii ni sehemu ndogo tu ya takriban barili milioni 20 ambazo kwa kawaida hupita katika Mlimbo wa Hormuz kila siku.

Operesheni hii haikosi hatari zake. Maofisa wa sekta wameibua wasiwasi kuhusu kuongezeka kwa hatari ya migongano ya baharini, wakati meli zinapopita usiku bila taa na kwa kasi inayozuia uwezo wao wa kufanya miondoko ya dharura. Licha ya hatari hizi, mfumo huu umekuwa kama kinga muhimu dhidi ya kile kilichoelezewa kama mshtuko mkubwa zaidi wa usambazaji wa nishati duniani katika historia.

Mambo Muhimu ya Kuzingatia

• Mabadiliko ya Kimbinu: Jeshi la Marekani linasimamia mfumo wa siri wa uhamishaji wa mafuta kutoka meli moja kwenda nyingine ukitumia mbinu za siri kama kuzima transponda na kupunguza mwanga ili kukwepa kizuizi cha Iran.
• Vituo vya Kimkakati: Operesheni hizi zimejikita katika Fujairah (UAE) na Sohar (Oman), zikihusisha angalau meli 116 kusafirisha takriban barili milioni 90 za mafuta tangu Mei.
• Pengo la Usambazaji: Ingawa mtandao huu wa siri umesaidia, barili milioni 90 zilizohamishwa ni chache sana ikilinganishwa na barili milioni 20 za upitishaji wa kila siku zinazoonekana kawaida katika Mlimbo huo.