The self pick-up model reappears in the Persian Gulf, Kuwait's tender suggests the resumption of strait navigation is expected.

1. Kuwait National Petroleum Company recently issued a naphtha sales tender announcement, requiring buyers to arrange their own vessels to load cargo from ports deep within the Persian Gulf. Traders pointed out that this is the first time in quite a while that such a sales arrangement has appeared, differing from the previous practice where transportation was handled by the Kuwaiti side.2. This move may indicate that Middle Eastern energy exporters are gradually regaining confidence in the shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz, or it suggests that shipping in the strait is gradually returning to normal. Previously, due to the impact of war, loading operations at Persian Gulf ports were required to strictly adhere to conditions set by the Iranian side.3. Analysts noted that this change in Kuwait’s sales arrangement could provide a new reference point for assessing the actual navigation status of the Strait of Hormuz. If more oil-producing countries in the Gulf adopt similar arrangements in the future, it will strengthen market expectations of a return to normal for energy logistics.4. However, the tender document does not specify whether Kuwait has obtained permission or exemption from Iran for passage through the strait. So far, Kuwait Petroleum Company has not responded to requests for comment outside of office hours. It is necessary to continue tracking the results of the relevant tenders and shipping trends to further verify whether the strait has in fact substantially reopened.