Two Pertamina tankers unable to exit Gulf after Hormuz closure

Two tankers operated by PT Pertamina International Shipping are unable to exit the Gulf area after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following military strikes involving Iran, Israel and the United States, Bisnis Indonesia reported.

Pertamina International Shipping said four of its vessels were in the Middle East at the time of the escalation: MT Gamsunoro in Khor al Zubair, Iraq; MT Pertamina Pride loading in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia; MT PIS Rinjani anchored in Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates; and MT PIS Paragon in Oman.

Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Feb. 28, MT Gamsunoro and MT Pertamina Pride are unable to leave the Gulf area.

Read also: Pertamina steps up monitoring, risk mitigation amid Middle East tensions

MT Gamsunoro, managed by Synergy Ship Management, has a deadweight tonnage of about 105,000 tons and can carry up to 770,000 barrels of crude oil. The very large crude carrier MT Pertamina Pride, managed by NYK Ship Management, has a deadweight tonnage of 301,000 tons and a capacity of up to 2 million barrels.

Pertamina International Shipping said it is coordinating with ship managers and local maritime authorities to ensure the safety of crews and vessels. The company also said its employees and families at its Dubai branch office are reported safe.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 million barrels per day of oil and a significant share of global LNG shipments.

Editing by Alexander Ginting