Abu Dhabi Studies Third Oil Pipeline to Bypass Hormuz
The UAE is considering building a third oil pipeline from the west coast to Fujairah to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
Translated by Qiyas from النهار — Original source
Bloomberg reported that the United Arab Emirates is considering building a third crude oil export pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, as part of its efforts to significantly reduce its reliance on the strategic waterway. According to the agency, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is evaluating the construction of a pipeline stretching from the UAE’s western coast to the port of Fujairah on the eastern coast, with provisions to make it available to other companies for oil transportation. The proposed pipeline would join an existing line and another scheduled to come online next year, enhancing the UAE’s capacity to continue crude exports in the event of future disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
By the end of last October, ADNOC informed some Asian refineries that a portion of its supplies from offshore fields would likely be delivered via the new pipeline starting in the early months of 2027, marking the latest indication of the project timeline that will help the company avoid dependence on the Hormuz Strait, which has experienced repeated disruptions and tensions. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg, the UAE’s largest oil producer indicated the possibility of beginning deliveries of a portion of Upper Zakum crude, produced from fields located within the Arabian Gulf, to long-term contract customers through the port of Fujairah in the first half of 2027.
ADNOC announced in May last year that it had accelerated construction of the new pipeline, confirming its readiness for operation by next year without disclosing further details. Crude will be delivered at Fujairah under annual supply contracts, allowing buyers to ship supplies without requiring their tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which continues to face security risks linked to Iranian threats. The new pipeline would double ADNOC’s capacity to bypass the strait, in line with the UAE’s plan to reduce its dependence on this vital maritime route, ultimately aiming to eliminate it entirely.
Alternative pipelines, including another operated by Saudi Arabia, have emerged as critical routes for oil exports during periods of regional tension and war. ADNOC currently operates a pipeline that transports Marban crude, produced from onshore fields, to Fujairah, while offshore crudes such as Upper Zakum are typically sold through tenders, with shipments loaded at locations outside the Strait of Hormuz after being transported through it.
