OREANDA-NEWS. A cargo of Iranian crude has sailed from Iran's main export terminal Kharg Island and is signalling its destination as Gdansk, Poland.

The very large crude carrier (VLCC) Atlantas sailed from Kharg Island on 27 June, tracking data show, and today began signalling its destination as Gdansk. Its size suggests it will take the Cape route, rather than head through the Suez Canal.

Shipping lists indicate the ship is chartered by France's Total, which has a supply contract with Iran and has been steadily lifting Iranian crude since EU and US sanctions were lifted. Total has delivered to Fos-Lavera and Le Havre, both in France, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, tracking suggests, but this would be its first delivery to Gdansk. The export was not directly confirmed.

Iran has been raising crude exports to Europe and the Mediterranean region in recent months, intensifying a market-share battle among Iraqi, Saudi, Kurdish, Kuwaiti and Urals sour grades in the region.