This represented the first export cargo of Alaskan crude for 10 years, according to vessel tracking concern Genscape.
Genscape said that the ‘Polar Discovery’, was expected to arrive at Yeosu on 10th October.
The company also said that ConocoPhillips had confirmed plans to export a cargo to South Korea, as it would receive a higher price than from the US West Coast refineries, the usual source of Alaskan crude.
The US Energy Information Agency said that while overseas oil exports from Alaska have been allowed since 1996, there have been none since 2004, according to local reports.