China Increases GCC Crude Imports via Modified Maritime Routes

Non-Iranian Middle East Gulf crude oil flows to China have climbed toward pre-disruption levels as regional maritime logistics adapted to shifting market conditions, Lloyd's List reported.

Data from energy analytics firm Vortexa indicates that ship-to-ship transfers accounted for more than half of all Middle East Gulf crude exports delivered to China in September. Chinese energy importers have increasingly turned to Gulf Cooperation Council suppliers to replace squeezed barrels.

The logistical realignment follows heightened enforcement and maritime security friction near the Strait of Hormuz. Energy operators continue to utilize dedicated shuttle services and modified tanker routes to preserve stable bilateral fuel flows between the Gulf and Chinese refineries.