By: Zawya

QatarEnergy has issued its first tender offering crude via ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz, joining other Gulf producers that have moved loading operations beyond the waterway, trade sources said on Wednesday.

QatarEnergy offered al-Shaheen and Qatar Marine crude for delivery through ship-to-ship transfers in the first half of October, according to a tender document reviewed by Reuters. Bids were due by noon Doha time (0900 GMT) on Wednesday.

In a previous tender, QatarEnergy offered al-Shaheen, Qatar Marine and Qatar Land crude on a free-on-board basis from their respective loading ports in Qatar.

That tender was not awarded because buyers and shipowners remained reluctant to send vessels into the strait, sources said.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has issued nine tenders so far since the beginning of June offering spot crude, using a shuttle fleet service to move crude out of the Gulf and onto other tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Saudi Aramco also offered crude outside the strait.