Aramco says emergency response speed has increased sixfold, explores alternative shipping routes

• Aramco says its response speed to attacks is more than six times the industry’s usual average, supported by rapid-response teams, emergency repair stocks and drones.
• The company is studying alternative shipping routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.

Saudi Aramco has significantly strengthened its ability to respond to attacks on its facilities, with its response speed now more than six times the industry’s average, the company’s chief executive said, according to Reuters.

The CEO said Aramco had established specialised rapid-response teams, expanded emergency stocks for repair operations and deployed drones to assess damage while incidents were still unfolding.

The rapid-response strategy began taking shape after the 2019 attacks on Abqaiq, when the company started preparing for the possibility of multiple facilities being targeted simultaneously.

The CEO said technology had shortened the time between an attack and the start of repair work. In most cases, facilities can resume operations within a few days, even after sustaining significant damage.

He added that inspection drones provide an exceptional level of visibility and detail, allowing teams to prepare for repairs by the time an incident is brought under control.

Aramco is also examining potential alternative shipping routes that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.

The CEO said the company would disclose further details if a final decision is made.

The review comes amid heightened regional security risks affecting key maritime corridors and energy shipments.