Oman has temporarily suspended crude oil loading operations at the Mina al Fahal export terminal after an explosion was reported near the facility’s offshore mooring infrastructure, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The incident reportedly occurred between the terminal’s two single-buoy mooring (SBM) berths, with sources indicating that the blast may have been linked to a drone strike. The exact timing of the explosion has not yet been confirmed.
As loading activities were halted, several supertankers were observed anchored off the coast awaiting further developments, according to shipping tracking data.
Officials at the terminal had not issued an immediate statement, and efforts to obtain confirmation outside regular operating hours were unsuccessful.
The disruption comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf of Oman. Earlier this week, Iranian state media claimed that Tehran had targeted a U.S. military vessel allegedly serving as a command and control platform near Iranian waters. The claim was subsequently rejected by U.S. Central Command.
Mina al Fahal serves as one of Oman’s key crude export hubs, making any interruption to operations closely watched by energy markets and shipping operators across the region. Authorities have yet to provide details on potential damage, the duration of the suspension, or when loading activities may resume.
