China's Sinopec moves VLCCs away from Qingdao port after blast

SINGAPORE: China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) has diverted at least two very large crude carriers (VLCC) away from Qingdao port after a blast at a major pipeline in the area last week, according to Reuters Freightview data.

One VLCC, Maersk Hojo, was last seen on Sunday moving away from Qingdao. Another, Front Falcon, was headed to Ningbo, where Sinopec has a major refinery.

Both VLCCs were carrying crude oil and were waiting to berth at Qingdao when the blast at a major pipeline occurred. The explosion killed 52 people and caused supply disruptions to refineries in the area.