UAE accelerates pipeline project to bypass Strait of Hormuz

Yesterday 10:35

By: Dakir Madiha

UAE accelerates pipeline project to bypass Strait of Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates has moved to speed up construction of a major east-west oil pipeline designed to significantly increase crude export capacity through the port of Fujairah and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The decision comes as regional maritime routes face sustained disruption linked to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.

The project, led by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, aims to double the country’s export flexibility by adding a new transport corridor that bypasses the contested waterway. Officials have instructed project teams to accelerate delivery, with completion still targeted for 2027. The expansion builds on existing infrastructure already operating near capacity following sharp declines in shipping traffic through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained under severe strain amid ongoing regional conflict and security incidents involving commercial vessels. Maritime flows that once carried around 20 million barrels of crude per day have dropped sharply, forcing producers in the region to rely more heavily on alternative land-based export routes. The UAE’s existing pipeline to Fujairah, in operation since 2012, has become a critical outlet for crude exports under these conditions.

The new pipeline, extending roughly 500 kilometers from Jebel Dhanna to Fujairah, is expected to add around 1.5 million barrels per day of additional capacity once operational. It complements broader expansion plans by Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, which is pursuing multi-billion-dollar investments to increase production capacity and strengthen export resilience amid long-term global energy demand.

The decision also reflects wider strategic planning within the UAE’s energy policy framework, as authorities seek to shield export infrastructure from potential disruptions in maritime chokepoints. Recent incidents involving vessels in nearby waters have reinforced concerns over supply chain stability, prompting accelerated investment in alternative routes and increased emphasis on energy security.