Vitol ships aluminium cargo through Strait of Hormuz as regional trade begins to recover

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Global commodities trader Vitol has successfully moved a stranded aluminium cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, marking one of the first signs that aluminium exports from the Gulf region are beginning to normalise following disruptions caused by the recent Iran conflict.

The Lowlands Corso bulk carrier departed the Strait of Hormuz on Friday carrying around 35,000 tonnes of aluminium produced by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). The cargo, valued at approximately USD 110 million at current spot prices, had remained anchored off the UAE coast after the conflict disrupted shipping routes through the strait.

The vessel had loaded the aluminium in Abu Dhabi in late February before the outbreak of hostilities delayed its departure.

The resumption of shipments is expected to ease pressure on the global aluminium market, where buyers had been scrambling to secure alternative supplies following the interruption of trade through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption also forced smelters to send exports through ports in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

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Aluminium prices surged to their highest in four years earlier this month amid supply worries. Traders now are looking to see if exports from the Middle East will continue to rebound, which could help restock inventories and affect prices in the next few weeks.

The Lowlands Corso was the first known bulk carrier to carry aluminium through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, market sources said. The vessel is scheduled to discharge her cargo at New Orleans where aluminium prices remain high due to supply shortages and US import tariffs.

Trade flows are beginning to increase but there remains uncertainty about shipping through the region following recent security incidents. While some analysts expect supply constraints to persist in the short term, others expect exports from Middle East producers to recover more quickly as conditions stabilise.

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