Ship tracking data revealed a shipment of US "light sweet" crude oil, loaded in Texas, heading to Israel, marking the first such delivery to the country in nearly three years. "Sweet" crude is defined as oil containing a low sulfur content
(typically less than 0.5%), which makes it easier and less expensive to refine, producing cleaner fuel. These advantages increase its demand in markets, and thus it is often sold at a higher price than "sour" crude. According to vessel tracking platform
data, the Aframax-class tanker "Captain John," flying the Maltese flag, loaded US West Texas Intermediate crude on Thursday from Enbridge's Ingleside facility near Corpus Christi, Texas. Its declared destination was Ashkelon port in southern Israel. The ship carried approximately 550,000 barrels
of crude oil, noting that an Aframax tanker can accommodate up to 750,000 barrels. The data indicates that the trading firm Vitol chartered the tanker. Furthermore, shipment tracking data showed that the last time US crude oil was directed to Israel
was approximately three years ago. This shipment comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including events that began on February 28, which led to a sharp decline in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway previously transported about 20% of the
world's crude oil and natural gas supplies.
