Stranded Pertamina Tankers Still Await All-Clear to Exit via Strait of Hormuz
Jakarta. Two stranded tankers belonging to Indonesia’s oil giant Pertamina are still waiting for an all-clear to exit the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
About a fifth of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Iran war — triggered by the US-Israeli airstrikes in late February — has fueled “stormy seas” for shipments. Countless vessels, including two Pertamina tankers, remain within the Persian Gulf. As of Tuesday (March 10), the ships — also known as VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro — are still stuck, according to the company’s marine logistics unit Pertamina International Shipping (PIS).
“The two tankers are still waiting until it is safe to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. Both vessels are safe and sound,” PIS acting corporate secretary Vega Pita told the Jakarta Globe via text.
The Gamsunoro was serving a third-party cargo. Pertamina Pride was carrying light crude oil meant for Indonesian supplies. PIS runs a total of 4 tankers in the Middle East, although the other two — namely Rinjani and Paragon — “have already moved away from the conflict area”.
“We will keep a close watch on our fleet, crewmembers, and workers in real-time 24/7,” Vega said.
PIS will remain in “close coordination” with the local authorities to make sure the crewmembers and cargoes are okay.
The Strait of Hormuz is the only sea channel that links the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. At home, Indonesia is banking on US crude supplies to plug the gap left by the paralysis. Foreign Ministry director-general Santo Darmosumarto recently said that Indonesia “had been pursuing diplomatic efforts” with Iranian authorities so the tankers could “safely cross the strait”.
As closure-related uncertainties linger, US President Donald Trump has just threatened to hit Iran “twenty times harder” if it “does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz”.
Oil prices have also topped $100 a barrel amid the war’s fallout.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia Backs Trump’s Iran Deal, Calls It Economic Mood Booster
Indonesia says Trump's deal with Iran has caused crude prices to fall, possibly sparking a positive sentiment for the economy.
US Lifts Blockade of Iran as Oil Tankers Begin Passing Through Strait of Hormuz
Major shipowners began moving vessels through the strait after the agreement was signed, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
US, Iran Reach Interim Deal Aimed at Ending War
The US and Iran reach an interim deal aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Indonesia Flags Insurance Problem in Strait of Hormuz Passage
Most insurers only want to cover the vessels when they are parked off an island, a deputy minister says as Indonesia awaits Hormuz passage.
Indonesia in Talks to Invest in Latin American Oil Fields Outside Venezuela
A deputy minister says that Indonesia is looking to tap into new crude reserves outside Venezuela in a deal to be helmed by Pertamina.
Indonesia's Cocoa Bean Export Price Up Double-Digits
The protracted Hormuz blockade has resulted in logistics and insurance cost hikes, which eventually raises the cocoa bean export prices.
JCI Gains 0.72% on Optimism Over Potential US-Iran Deal
JCI rose 0.72% as optimism over US-Iran negotiations and a possible Hormuz reopening boosted global risk appetite.
Drone Strike Sparks a Fire Near UAE's Nuclear Power Plant
Iran has been increasingly threatening the UAE over recent days as the country hosted Israeli Iron Dome missile defenses and troops.
Wars Cost Trillions of Dollars, Indonesia Tells BRICS
In a meeting joined by UAE and Iranian officials, Indonesia reminds BRICS that "the cost of war is ultimately the cost of lost opportunity."
Trump-Xi Meeting Opens in Beijing With Low Expectations on Trade, Security
Trump met Xi in Beijing as both sides opened talks, with little expectation of breakthroughs on Iran, Taiwan and trade.The Latest
Dear Mr. President, Don’t Skip ASEAN Summits
Despite calls for Prabowo to stay home, the Indonesian leader still needs to attend ASEAN summits.
PLN Rushes Coal Supplies After Power Outages Hit Java
PLN is rushing to secure coal supplies after shortages triggered rolling blackouts across Java, disrupting businesses and daily life.
Japan-Backed ADB Invests in Indonesia’s Human Capital
As many as 399 Indonesian awardees have joined the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program from 1988 to 2024.
Indonesian Stocks Rise Despite Foreign Outflows as MSCI Review Looms
Indonesia's JCI rose 2.8% as easing geopolitical tensions offset foreign outflows, MSCI concerns and rupiah pressures.
