The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company disputed a report regarding a potential third oil pipeline on Wednesday.
Bloomberg reported that the infrastructure project could run from the western coast of the United Arab Emirates to the eastern port of Fujairah, and might be open to other companies.
The company has discussed the project with several Asian customers, but final plans and the exact route have not been finalised yet.
An ADNOC spokesperson responded directly to the claims. "We have advised Bloomberg that this report is not accurate and purely speculative," the spokesperson said.
Existing infrastructure already carries crude from the Habshan fields in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, allowing tankers to load without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
This current line handles a capacity of about two million barrels a day. The route has helped the United Arab Emirates maintain exports during shipping disruptions through the strait.
A second line, known as the West-East Pipeline, is under construction. ADNOC stated in May that it expects this second line to begin operations in 2027, which will double export capacity through Fujairah.
Chief Executive Sultan Al Jaber stated during that period that construction had reached the halfway mark at 50 percent. ADNOC informed certain Asian refiners last month that they could begin collecting crude delivered through this second line at Fujairah in early 2027, according to people familiar with the matter.
Efforts by the United Arab Emirates to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz go beyond crude shipments. Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi stated earlier this year that the country plans to expand at least three ports on its eastern coast, including investments in rail and road links alongside pipelines.
Kuwait relies completely on the Strait of Hormuz for its crude shipments. The nation has held discussions with both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia concerning alternative pipeline routes, according to Sheikh Nawaf Al-Sabah, chief executive of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.
