Satellite Images Show Oil Storage Tanks on Kharg Island Filling Up

Satellite images captured between May 6 and May 16 showed the absence of oil tankers from the ports of Kharg Island following the appearance of a maritime slick near the island on May 6 that was reportedly linked to an oil spill.

Imagery from the Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites also showed no significant changes in the movement of oil tankers surrounding the island during that period, indicating a decline in shipping activity at the main terminals.

In the days that followed, satellite imagery showed relative stability in the positions and number of oil tankers near the island, with no clear docking or departure operations observed at the principal ports.

Kharg Island is considered the main hub for Iranian oil exports, with the majority of Iran’s crude oil exports passing through it.

At the same time, satellite imagery revealed rising storage levels in several oil tanks on the island, with most tanks appearing full by May 16.

Between May 6 and May 11, images showed at least three oil storage tanks becoming full compared with earlier imagery, including one large tank estimated to hold more than 560,000 barrels, in addition to two other tanks with estimated capacities exceeding 430,000 barrels each.

By May 16, satellite images showed most of the island’s oil tanks appearing full compared with May 11 imagery, including two tanks that had previously appeared at lower storage levels.

On May 6, three oil tankers were docked at the island’s two main terminals — two at the eastern terminal and one at the western terminal, around which traces believed to be linked to an oil spill appeared visible.

A Sentinel-2 image dated May 6 also showed a large white-and-gray slick east of Kharg Island covering an estimated area between 60 and 70 square kilometers.

This coincided with reduced oil tanker activity at the island’s terminals during the same period, according to satellite imagery.

Experts suggested the visible slick may have resulted from an oil spill, while Iranian authorities denied that any oil leak had occurred near the island.

Available visual data through May 16 continue to show a decline in tanker traffic around Kharg Island alongside rising oil storage levels within the island’s facilities, as Iranian authorities continue denying any oil spill or disruption to export operations.

Read More

Misbar Tracks Turkish Aircraft Near Cyprus During Interception of Global Sumud Flotilla

What Do We Know About the “Sumud Flotilla” That Departed From Turkey Toward Gaza?