Hormuz has dominated headlines throughout 2026 and while solutions have largely focused on reopening the strait to international trade, another story has emerged in the Gulf of Oman, that of plans to construct a new export terminal in the UAE to bypass the chokehold.
The Financial Times has reported that Dubai-based port operator DP World is considering a new port and container terminal in the Fujairah area on the east coast of the UAE as it looks to reduce the reliance on ‘Dubai’s crown jewel’, the flagship Jebel Ali hub.1 DP World has declined to comment directly on the matter as of the time of writing. Reported activity at the hub has fallen between 90 - 95% since the closure of the Strait in February which has prompted Emirati officials to consider expanding and diversifying infrastructure to ease the disruption caused by the strait’s closure. Oil tankers would be able to dock on the east coast of the UAE, bypassing the strait entirely, where product can then be transported across the Gulf states. A new export terminal, coupled with this shift eastward, would reduce the criticality this chokepoint currently holds over global oil trade.
Diversification is not exclusive to the Middle East. Over in the US, plans are underway to build the country’s first new refinery in nearly five decades. America First Refining is the company behind the project at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, backed by Indian investors.2 The US refining sector has long been unable to process the abundant reserves of light shale on its shores efficiently, as its refineries are tailored for heavier, sour crudes imported largely from Canada, Venezuela, and Mexico.3 Energy independence, economic backing, changing regulatory barriers, and a surplus of light, sweet shale has prompted plans for the new greenfield refinery.
Amid rapidly changing environmental demands and instability across the geopolitical landscape, Hydrocarbon Engineering continues to track these changes, both in print and online. We recently hosted John Calce, Chairman and Founder of America First Refining, on the Hydrocarbon Engineering Podcast. John offers insight into the vision behind the aforementioned refinery, and when we can expect it to be up and running. Head over to www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/podcasts or scan the QR code at the bottom of this page to listen to the episode.
In print, this issue also tackles the latest developments affecting the downstream sector today. Gordon Cope opens this issue by considering how the North American energy sector can continue to seek ‘profit amid pressure’ throughout ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Other articles similarly explore how the latest catalyst solutions can boost refinery margins amid stringent decarbonisation targets, to ensure a robust and resilient industry.
While developments such as a new export terminal in the UAE and a greenfield refinery in the US are still in their infancy, diversification of energy infrastructure is critical for the oil and gas industry to remain resilient amid the latest turbulence.
- https://www.ft.com/content/1f97b548-1bd8-41c8-8380-043ec688d77a?syn-25a6b1a6=1
- https://www.portofbrownsville.com/port-of-brownsville-announces-america-first-refining-project-first-new-u-s-gulf-coast-refinery-in-nearly-50-years/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/rrapier/2026/04/05/debunking-a-persistent-myth-us-refineries-cant-handle-shale-oil/
