La carrera para encontrar rutas alrededor del Estrecho de Ormuz y qué nación está ganando

The Strait of Hormuz has once again become a focal point of geopolitical tension, with renewed attacks on tankers threatening the flow of vital oil and gas supplies through the critical waterway. This latest closure has intensified concerns over the vulnerability of global energy networks, particularly as the war in the region continues to disrupt traditional shipping routes. However, amid the uncertainty, several nations, most notably Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are actively pursuing alternative pathways to bypass the strait, signaling a shift toward diversifying energy transportation routes and reducing reliance on a single strategic chokepoint. The situation escalated following reports of renewed attacks on commercial vessels passing through the strait, prompting immediate responses from regional powers and international stakeholders. Analysts suggest that while Iran may temporarily leverage the crisis to exert pressure on global markets, its ability to maintain such control is limited by the growing resilience of Gulf nations. These countries have been proactively developing infrastructure to ensure continued energy exports even under adverse conditions. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in this effort, having redirected a substantial portion of its oil exports away from the Strait of Hormuz. Utilizing the East-West pipeline, which spans 1,200 kilometers across the country, the kingdom has successfully rerouted crude oil to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. From there, shipments can either traverse the Suez Canal toward Europe or pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into the Gulf of Aden. According to global oil expert Carol Nakhle, this strategy has helped stabilize oil flows, preventing a complete disruption of supply chains. She noted that Saudi Arabia’s swift action during the initial stages of the conflict played a crucial role in maintaining market stability. In addition to leveraging existing infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is exploring options to increase the capacity of its alternative routes. Sources indicate that the kingdom is considering expanding the East-West pipeline to accommodate higher volumes of oil, potentially reducing its dependency on the Strait of Hormuz even further. This expansion could significantly enhance the kingdom’s ability to withstand future disruptions, offering a long-term solution to the ongoing challenges posed by the region’s instability. Meanwhile, the UAE has also taken steps to diversify its energy export routes. By utilizing the Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline, the country has managed to divert some of its oil production away from the strait, ensuring continued access to international markets. This pipeline transports up to 1.8 million barrels of oil per day from the southern oil fields of Abu Dhabi to the Emirati terminal near the western edge of the strait, effectively circumventing the vulnerable chokepoint. Beyond existing measures, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing in new infrastructure projects aimed at further reducing their reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE is reportedly in discussions to construct a new port and container terminal in Fujairah, where the Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline terminates. This proposed development would serve as a critical hub for maritime trade, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key player in regional logistics. Additionally, the UAE has initiated the construction of a second West-East pipeline, designed to complement its current infrastructure and provide additional capacity for oil exports. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this project represents a strategic move to strengthen the country’s energy security and economic resilience. In Iraq, the Basra-Haditha Pipeline, approved in 2024 and launched in May 2025, marks another step toward regional diversification. This pipeline connects oil fields near Basra to the Haditha refinery, forming part of a broader initiative to link Iraqi oil resources with Jordan’s Red Sea port city of Aqaba. While still in its early stages, this project underscores the growing interest among neighboring nations in creating alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.