Iran will soon face a shortage of tankers to transport their ever growing volumes of export of oil. In March the country has brought the production up to 3.29 million bpd and continues to increase. In principle, the Iranian tanker fleet is not small, he averages 55 to 60 ships of various displacement. However, as has told to Reuters Agency a source in the government, about 20 tankers in need of modernisation.
From 25 to 27 vessels anchored in the port city of Assalouyeh and at Kharg island, as are used as repositories of oil produced during the period of sanctions. When they will be able to release is unknown.
With the freight of tankers of other countries have problems, since few people are prepared to take Iranian oil, thereby actually serving competitor. In addition, according to Mohsen Ghamsari, Director for international Affairs of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), the company is struggling to insure their cargo.
The problem is that consent to cover insurance risks should give the international group of p & I clubs (P&I). Currently only nine of the 13 members of the group expressed their agreement and to grant the necessary support for all participants without exception.
Tehran is not yet understood how to solve this problem, and it must be addressed urgently. Additional oil is supplied mainly to Europe, part is in Asia. And in fact, and in another case, Iranian tankers have to overcome quite a significant distance, so insurance is necessary.
And the situation will only get worse, as the NIOC in June, will launch a new grade of heavy oil. Earlier Iran was planning to launch it in March, but then decided that customers need time to test new raw materials.
The name of this variety are not yet available, we only know that extract this oil field in Western Karuna, near the border with Iraq. It is also not clear what amount of new heavy raw materials the NIOC is going to throw at the market.
