TOKYO: Japan’s imports of crude oil in March from Arab countries amounted to 96.6 percent of the total imported that month.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE provided more than 80 percent of the total, according to data from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Japan imported a total of 77.709 million barrels of oil in March and 75.031 million barrels (96.6 percent) came from five Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain — and from the neutral zone between the Kingdom and Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia provided 32.777 million barrels (42.2 percent of the total), the UAE 29.797 million (38.8 percent), Kuwait 6.559 million (8.4 percent), and Qatar 4.845 million (6.2 percent). Less than 1 million barrels came from the neutral zone and Oman.
The US and Southeast Asia also contributed to Japan’s oil imports but the figures in March showed an absence of any importation from Russia.
Japanese companies have also continued to boycott Iranian oil as the country complies with sanctions imposed by the US on Iran.
The figures represent the quantities of oil that reached refineries, tanks and warehouses in ports in Japan during March. Japan generates about a third of its energy from oil.
Total of 96.6% of Japan’s March imports of oil came from Arab countries, led by Saudi crude
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Total of 96.6% of Japan’s March imports of oil came from Arab countries, led by Saudi crude
Mawani, Qatar Ports ink cooperation deal to boost regional maritime trade
RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, and Qatar Ports Management Co. signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting maritime and logistics cooperation, contributing to the development of the ports sector, raising operational efficiency, and supporting regional and international trade flows.
The MoU was signed by Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazroua and Qatar Ports Management Co. CEO Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji, in the presence of Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah.
The step reflects both sides’ commitment to building effective partnerships, exchanging expertise, establishing an organized framework for cooperation management, and developing joint investment opportunities in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.
The MoU outlines eight key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices in port management and operations, and studying opportunities for direct maritime and land connectivity between the two countries’ ports to enhance trade efficiency.
It also includes collaboration in logistics services, exploring the establishment of joint maritime corridors serving bilateral and regional trade, and assessing the feasibility of creating shared regional distribution centers.
Both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, focusing on smart systems, data governance, and a unified maritime window to improve operational efficiency and remain at the forefront of technological progress in the maritime sector.
The MoU emphasizes maritime safety and environmental protection, including the exchange of expertise on marine pollution control and emergency response, the development of joint maritime emergency plans, and the establishment of a bilateral emergency communication line.
It also promotes collaboration to ensure compliance with international conventions, conduct joint exercises, and implement risk-monitoring systems.
Cooperation further extends to human capital development through joint training programs and on-the-ground expertise exchanges, as well as academic and research partnerships in maritime transport and logistics.
Regarding joint investment, both parties will explore local and international opportunities in ports and related services, coordinating with the private sector to support these initiatives.
The MoU also includes cooperation in cruise tourism through enhanced maritime connectivity and joint promotion of Gulf cruise routes, as well as coordination of positions in international maritime organizations and support for joint initiatives, notably “Green Ports” and “Safe Sea Corridors.”
This memorandum reflects the commitment of Mawani and Qatar Ports Management Co. to advancing the ports sector and boosting its role as a key driver of trade and economic growth, contributing to Gulf integration, and enhancing regional competitiveness in maritime services.
