STRAIT OF HORMUZ — Sinokor Group became a key transporter of Emirati crude through the Strait of Hormuz during and after the 2026 U.S.-Iran conflict by deploying supertankers and securing contracts with Adnoc L&S. The Korean shipping company, co-owned by Ga-Hyun Chung and MSC Group, began leasing ships to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) for shuttle runs starting in mid-April.

By June, ship tracking data from Vortexa indicated that nearly half of all Emirati crude shipments were transported on vessels controlled by Sinokor. Sinokor moved at least six empty supertankers into the Persian Gulf in the weeks preceding the U.S.-Iran conflict. The company also continued to send supertankers into the Persian Gulf to collect crude after the interim ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran took effect.

Earlier this year, Sinokor Group embarked on a buying spree of supertankers. By late February, industry estimates indicated that Sinokor controlled approximately 150 very large crude carriers. This number represented nearly 40% of the global fleet not affected by sanctions, long-term leases, or established routes. At least two Sinokor supertankers have since re-entered the Persian Gulf after offloading their cargoes.

Brokers have estimated that three tankers conducting shuttle runs since mid-April could have generated between $60 million and $120 million for Sinokor. Sinokor, headquartered in Seoul, initially operated as a container shipper before expanding into the oil tanker sector.

Adnoc L&S stated that it does not comment on matters related to the position, movements, or routing of its vessels. The company noted that its fleet is extensive, comprising both owned and chartered vessels.

"Sinokor's moves during the Iran war are groundbreaking," said Matt Wright, principal freight analyst at Kpler. "By creating an environment that supports their negotiating position they are lifting rates for all owners." Wright added, "They are also willing to go to corners of the market where shipowners might still be cautious about, and we are seeing initial signs of a market recovery because of that."