Adnoc Continues Loading LNG Through Disrupted Hormuz Waterway

Despite ongoing disruptions to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) is continuing to load liquefied natural gas onto tankers in the Arabian Gulf. According to satellite images taken by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite on September 2, a vessel was docked at the Das Island export facility with at least one other tanker spotted nearby.

The ships have stopped broadcasting their positions near the plant, suggesting they have switched off their transponders to avoid detection. Adnoc has proven adept at moving energy supplies through Hormuz to global customers, particularly crude, despite the persistent threat of attack. However, LNG exports out of the Arabian Gulf remain far below pre-war levels of three shipments a day.

Even with Adnoc cargoes, LNG exports are still at an effective standstill since an Iranian attack on a Qatar-owned vessel in early July. Qatari tanker movements have largely stopped due to safety concerns, and shipments are being delivered to Kuwait instead.