Recent Wood Mackenzie tracking data highlights Russia's robust crude oil flow to China, with 44 shipments totaling approximately 29.4 million barrels arriving so far in November. ESPO crude dominates, accounting for 19 shipments via Kozmino, while Urals, Arco, and Sakhalin grades diversify supply to the East Asian buyer.
Pacific terminals lead with 59% of volumes, ensuring quick 5–7 day transit times, while Baltic and Arctic routes provide redundancy despite longer voyages of up to 60 days. Key Chinese destinations include Ningbo, Dongying, and Tianjin. Charterers such as Gazprom featured prominently, despite recent sanctions. Russia's use of multiple routes—Pacific, Baltic, and Northern Sea Route (for voyages through the end of summer)—underscores its strategic adaptation to geopolitical and logistical challenges.
This diversified network ensures a steady, reliable energy supply chain, reinforcing Russia-China trade ties and leveraging geographic advantages for efficiency and resilience.
Follow Russian crude flows with Wood Mackenzie's Russian Crude Report.
