TotalEnergies believes the Middle East must accelerate the construction of gas and oil pipelines capable of exporting oil and gas without relying on the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal was defended by Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of the French company, during an energy conference held in Paris.
According to the executive, the Iranian crisis of recent months left a clear lesson for the industry: supply security cannot rest on a single maritime route. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making this passage one of the most sensitive points in global energy trade.
The Strait of Hormuz puts pressure on energy supply
Pouyanné stated that the Strait of Hormuz poses a real threat to oil and gas markets. Therefore, he argued that investment in onshore infrastructure must become a priority for producers, operators, and governments in the region.
In addition, the executive noted that the new corridors would reduce the exposure of oil tankers to geopolitical tensions, blockades, or prolonged disruptions. In that scenario, gas and oil pipelines would serve as backup routes to maintain energy flows to international markets.
Alternative routes from Iraq, Abu Dhabi, and Syria
Among the options mentioned are corridors from Abu Dhabi and Iraq, along with connections to Syria or Turkey. In the Iraqi case, Pouyanné explained that crude could seek an outlet to the south, via Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, or to the Mediterranean through overland routes.
Likewise, the executive recalled that Total has a long history in Iraq. The company discovered oil in that country in 1928 and later took part in the development of a pipeline between Iraq and Syria, a connection that made it possible to transport crude to the Mediterranean and supply European refineries.
Midstream infrastructure to reduce risks
TotalEnergies’ proposal targets the heart of midstream infrastructure: the transport, connection, and evacuation of hydrocarbons. Instead of relying solely on tankers, the company proposes strengthening the pipeline network to gain operational flexibility.
In addition, this vision aligns with a broader trend in the energy industry. Companies are seeking more resilient supply chains in the face of regional conflicts, maritime congestion, and abrupt changes in the availability of trade routes.
A priority for the Gulf
For Pouyanné, the region already has sufficient technical precedent to carry out projects of this kind. His argument is straightforward: if a century ago it was possible to connect Iraqi fields to the Mediterranean, today the industry has greater capabilities to develop new energy corridors.
If they move forward, these investments could change the way the Middle East exports oil and gas. They would also strengthen the energy security of global buyers, especially at times of tension around the Persian Gulf.
Source: Reuters
Photo: Shutterstock
