LOOP-loaded VLCC arrives in China

The first very large crude carrier (VLCC) to directly load a cargo at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) at Cut Off, La., arrived April 22 at the port of Huizhou, China. The Saudi Arabian-flagged Shaden departed the LOOP on Feb. 18 after a loading time of five days. The VLCC took about two months to reach its final destination on the east coast of China, according to Platts. Prior to arriving at Huizhou, Shaden had stopped at Rizhao, China, on April 17. As the only U.S. Gulf Coast export facility that does not require Aframax or Suezmax vessels for reverse lightering onto a VLCC, LOOP is poised to become a major export hub in the coming years. (Source: Hellenic Shipping News 04/24/18)