UAE’s port of Fujairah has barred the calls of Qatari-flagged ships in addition to any ships destined for or arriving from Qatari ports, Reuters reports citing a notice from the port.
The ban is valid for all ships regardless of the nature of their call and will be en force until further notice, according to the port’s announcement.
The move comes in the aftermath of a diplomatic dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar which broke off all diplomatic ties.
UAE, Bahrain and Egypt also severed the ties with Qatar early Monday on the grounds of its alleged relations with Iran and Islamist groups. Aside to shipping, flights and land connections among the said countries are also reported to be cancelled.
Following the latest turnout of events, fears have emerged on the potential impact on the shipping of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially taking into account that Qatar is the world’s biggest seller of LNG.
However, the diplomatic fallout between Saudi Arabia and Qatar is unlikely to directly impact crude oil and LNG shipping, Platts writes quoting market sources.
“Shipping sources said they have not heard of any restrictions imposed on VLCCs carrying Qatar-origin crude oil cargoes from calling on Saudi or UAE crude loading ports. Even if imposed, charterers could reschedule their Qatari loading to come last to avoid any issues,” Platts said.
World Maritime News Staff