Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
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Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco

The commissioning of Yanbu South Terminal (YST) marked the addition of 3 million barrels per day to the West Coast export capacity when the first VLCC was loaded on October 12, Saudi Aramco has said.

Yanbu South Terminal, which is located south of Yanbu City on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, consists of a tank farm and offshore facilities to receive, store and load Arab Light (AL) and Arab Super Light (ASL) crude oil, said a statement issued by Aramco on Wednesday.

The facility’s integration with the existing crude oil supply network adds 3 million barrels per day to Saudi Aramco’s export capacity through the West Coast, thereby reinforcing the reputation of Saudi Aramco as a reliable energy supplier to customers throughout the globe, it added.

“The successful commissioning and operation of Yanbu South Terminal is a testimony of the Company’s agility in responding to the business environment, and a demonstration of the fine caliber of individuals and teams who will lead the company into the future to support the country’s vision,” said Abdulaziz Al-Judaimi, Senior VP, Saudi Aramco Downstream.

“The successful startup of Yanbu South Terminal is another milestone in reinforcing Saudi Aramco’s position as the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals producer, operating in a safe, sustainable, reliable and environmentally-friendly manner,” Executive Head of Pipelines, Distribution, and Terminals Abdullah Al-Mansour said.



Tel Aviv Shares Hit Record Highs after US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites

A Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign is seen at the bourse in Tel Aviv, Israel November 4, 2020. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
A Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign is seen at the bourse in Tel Aviv, Israel November 4, 2020. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
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Tel Aviv Shares Hit Record Highs after US Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites

A Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign is seen at the bourse in Tel Aviv, Israel November 4, 2020. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
A Tel Aviv Stock Exchange sign is seen at the bourse in Tel Aviv, Israel November 4, 2020. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo

Israeli stocks hit record highs on Sunday after the US attacked Iran's nuclear sites in strikes investors believe would likely prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons anytime soon.

The broad Tel Aviv 125 index closed 1.8% higher, extending gains to nearly 8% the past week, while the blue-chip TA-35 gained 1.5%.

On the heels of Israeli strikes in Iran, shares rose during all five sessions last week, gaining some 6%, as Israel hit Iranian nuclear and military targets prior to Saturday's surprise US attacks, Reuters reported.

"The destruction of Iran's key nuclear facilities by the US military is, of course, a positive development ... in terms of improving the regional security environment and reducing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities," said Mizrahi Tefahot chief markets economist Ronen Menachem. "It's a game-changer."

Israel began its punishing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on June 13, which have been met with retaliatory Iranian strikes against Israel.

US President Donald Trump said he had "obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites in strikes overnight with massive bunker busting bombs, joining an Israeli assault in a significant new escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Tehran vowed to defend itself, and responded with a volley of missiles at Israel that wounded scores of people and destroyed buildings in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

In addition to gains in shares, government bond prices have risen, the shekel has appreciated and Israel's risk premium has edged lower.

Bond prices increased as much as 0.2% on Sunday. The shekel does not trade on Sunday but it has rallied from 3.61 per dollar on June 11 to 3.48 on Friday and is up some 1% this month.