UAE COMPLETES NEARLY HALF OF SECOND OIL PIPELINE, BYPASSING STRAIT OF HORMUZ AMID ENERGY SECURITY PUSH. (PHOTO).

UAE completes nearly half of second oil pipeline, bypassing Strait of Hormuz amid energy security push

The United Arab Emirates has completed nearly half of a second major oil pipeline designed to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping chokepoint, according to the head of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.

The pipeline project is intended to increase export capacity through the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, which lies beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the new route would effectively double existing capacity and is expected to be fully operational in 2027. The project has been accelerated amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Company leadership said global energy flows remain overly dependent on a limited number of maritime chokepoints, making alternative export routes increasingly important for supply security.

The UAE has already been diverting some crude exports through an existing pipeline to Fujairah, which can handle up to 1.8 million barrels per day. The new pipeline is designed to expand that capacity significantly once completed.

Officials said disruptions in the region have already had a major impact on global energy markets, with large volumes of oil shipments affected and recovery expected to take considerable time even if conditions stabilize. They warned that full normalization of oil flows could take until 2027.

The project comes after the Strait of Hormuz was blocked amid escalating military conflict in the region, which followed strikes involving the United States and Israel. The situation has led to widespread concern over the security of global energy supplies.

Energy officials described the blockade as a major disruption to global oil markets, arguing that reliance on a single strategic waterway creates vulnerability for international energy trade.

U.S. energy officials have said that while the importance of the Strait of Hormuz may decline over time as alternative routes are developed, the region will continue to play a critical role in global energy production and exports.