Japanese refiners shift to STS crude transfers in Gulf of Oman, avoiding Hormuz

Japanese refiners are increasingly sourcing Middle East crude via ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman, off Oman and Fujairah, rather than transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a deviation from pre-war routing patterns, as Japan-owned tankers had largely avoided the region since the Iran war began. The shift reflects persistent war risk in the Persian Gulf and adds logistical costs, but secures supply continuity for Japan's refineries.