After a number of Arab countries cut diplomatic and trading ties with Qatar, all vessel traffic from and to the country was suspended by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.
Namely, relevant authorities informed that all Bahrain ports and territorial waters, as well as all Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports, will remain closed for vessels flying the flag of Qatar.
Additionally, Fujairah confirmed that, as part of the decision taken by the United Arab Emirates to cut diplomatic relationships with Qatar, all vessels destined for or arriving from Qatar ports “are not allowed to call at the port,” according to GAC.
The UK P&I Club reported that the restrictions are also in effect at UAE’s Jebel Ali ports.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that Qatari-flagged vessels will not be permitted to enter Egyptian ports, however, there is currently no indication that any vessel calling from Qatar or proceeding to the country will face difficulties, the UK P&I Club informed.
The restrictions were imposed following a diplomatic dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar which broke off all diplomatic ties. Subsequently, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut the ties with Qatar on June 5 on the grounds of its alleged relations with Iran and Islamist groups.
In the aftermath of the latest developments, crude and oil product loadings in the Middle East could be affected, Platts said citing Asian shipping industry officials.
Shipowners could now ask for higher freight if a vessel calls at Qatari ports. A clean oil tankers broker added that “if not allowed to dock at Fujairah, these ships will have to load bunker fuel in Singapore,” which could in turn push up the bunker prices in Singapore, according to Platts.
World Maritime News Staff