Role in Strait of Hormuz Traffic
ADNOC exports several million barrels of crude oil daily, primarily via VLCC loadings at Das Island and Jebel Dhanna on the Abu Dhabi coast, all of which transit the Strait. Abu Dhabi's Murban crude is one of the Gulf's key benchmark grades and is shipped to refineries in Asia, Europe, and North America. The Abu Dhabi National Tanker Company (ADNATCO) operates a significant fleet of crude and product tankers, all of which are regular users of the Hormuz corridor. Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), adjacent to Khalifa Port, generates additional chemical and industrial cargo transits.
Key Ports and Routes
Das Island serves as a key crude oil loading terminal for offshore ADCO fields. Jebel Dhanna is the primary onshore crude loading point for Abu Dhabi. Khalifa Port, located on the Abu Dhabi coast south of Ruwais, handles containers, Ro-Ro, and bulk. Ruwais Port supports the massive refinery and petrochemical complex. All vessels loading or discharging at these terminals transit the full length of the Hormuz corridor.
Transit Clearance Considerations
Vessels loading ADNOC crude at Abu Dhabi terminals are typically VLCC class (200,000 DWT and above), which places them in the highest transit clearance fee tier. Operators should factor clearance costs into voyage estimates at the time of charter negotiation. UAE-flagged tankers are subject to ADNOC and port authority reporting requirements in addition to transit clearance. ADNOC vessels are frequently subject to enhanced vetting procedures; P&I documentation should be current and readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the transit clearance fee for a VLCC loading ADNOC crude?
VLCCs with DWT above 200,000 are in the highest fee tier. The current Schedule of Clearance Fees is published on the Fee page and the fee calculator allows operators to enter exact DWT for a precise figure.
Does ADNOC notify the transit authority on behalf of loading vessels?
No. Transit clearance is the responsibility of the vessel operator or their authorised representative. ADNOC terminal clearance and port authority approvals are separate processes that do not substitute for a Transit Clearance Certificate.
Are product tankers from Ruwais refinery subject to different clearance requirements?
No. All vessel classes are subject to the same clearance process. The fee is determined by the vessel's deadweight tonnage regardless of cargo type.
Published: January 2025 · Last updated: October 2026