Ship-tracking data show at least 10 very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and
several Suezmax tanks bound for Fujairah have paused or turned back as the
perceived risk of Iranian attacks near the Strait of Hormuz rises. Fujairah is a
major transshipment hub for Persian Gulf oil exports; VLCCs often wait outside
the strait and transship via smaller tankers. Withdrawal of large tankers could
disrupt that bypass pattern and add pressure to crude logistics. Some vessels
remain en route, but repeated recent attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and
Fujairah have raised market concern about the continuity of oil shipments.
