The 25,000-ton ammonia shipment named "Gas Aqua" was loaded at the Ras Al Khair port in the Persian Gulf from October 3 to 6, 2026, and arrived at the Fujairah port in the Gulf of Oman on October 9. This event is significant as the first passage of a non-Iranian vessel through the Strait of Hormuz for loading ammonia since the beginning of the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran last February.
Shipment Details and Routes
The vessel "Gas Aqua" transferred its full ammonia cargo to another ship named "Searambler" on October 11 and 12. This shipment is considered the first ammonia loading from the Strait of Hormuz after an Iranian shipment departed in July 2026. Since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, only three non-Iranian shipments have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, two of which were loaded in Saudi Arabia and one in Qatar.
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Economic and Trade Implications
The passage of this ammonia shipment through the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a milestone in energy trade in the region. Given the current conditions and existing tensions in the Persian Gulf, this event indicates new changes in trade routes and the ability of vessels to pass through tense areas. These shipments are likely to be exported to other countries, including Asian and European nations, which could have significant impacts on the global ammonia market.
Trading companies and energy market analysts are closely monitoring these developments, as any changes in loading and transportation routes can affect prices and access to energy resources globally. Considering that only three non-Iranian shipments have managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, this event could be seen as a positive sign for the normalization of trade relations in this important region.
