Al Jazeera reports that a network of ship‑to‑ship (STS) operations has developed in Omani waters, allowing crude oil to be shifted from smaller tankers to larger carriers without docking at ports. The practice is employed to streamline export logistics, evade certain regulatory constraints and, in some cases, circumvent international sanctions.
The STS process involves two vessels anchoring side‑by‑side, often in the open sea near the Musandam Peninsula, while flexible hoses connect their cargo tanks. Pumps transfer the oil under controlled pressure, a method that can be completed within a few hours if weather conditions are favorable. Operators claim the technique reduces turnaround time and lowers port fees, but it also places the activity outside the direct oversight of port authorities.
Environmental groups and maritime safety experts warn that the offshore setting amplifies the risk of spills. A leak during transfer could spread rapidly in the Gulf of Oman, threatening marine ecosystems and coastal communities in Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. The absence of on‑site emergency response infrastructure further complicates mitigation efforts.
Security concerns are also highlighted. The remote nature of the anchorage makes vessels vulnerable to piracy, armed robbery or interference by regional actors. Moreover, the clandestine character of some transfers has drawn the attention of international monitoring bodies, which fear the route could be exploited to move sanctioned oil.
Omani authorities acknowledge the existence of STS activities but stress that they are subject to national maritime regulations. Inspections are reportedly conducted when vessels enter Omani ports, and any violations can result in fines or detention. Nonetheless, the offshore environment remains a regulatory blind spot, according to the Al Jazeera analysis.
The report concludes that while ship‑to‑ship transfers offer logistical advantages for oil exporters, they also generate a complex mix of environmental, safety and geopolitical challenges that require coordinated oversight from regional governments and international agencies.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/18/oman-oil-escape-route-how-ship-to-ship-transfers-work-despite-big?traffic_source=rss.