LNG Tanker Traffic Resumes at Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions

The Strait of Hormuz has seen a recent increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker traffic, despite ongoing Middle East tensions. At least five LNG tankers have entered the strait in the past few days, according to data from Kpler and LSEG.

The vessels include GasLog Shanghai, controlled by Greek shipping company GasLog, and QatarEnergy-linked carriers Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Al Gattara, and Al Rayyan. The GasLog Shanghai and Al Rayyan likely transited into the strait overnight, having been seen outside the waterway on July 9.

Meanwhile, 22 Japan-linked vessels, including six large crude oil tankers, have exited the Gulf since Tuesday, leaving only four vessels in the area, according to Japanese transport minister Yasushi Kaneko. The number of Japan-linked vessels in the Gulf has dropped from 45 with about 1,100 crew members at the start of the conflict to four vessels with about 100 crew members.

Xavier Tang, a senior market analyst at Vortexa, noted that Iran is now targeting vessels using the 'Omani route' rather than all vessels, which may lead to more traffic turning towards the 'Iranian route' or transiting through the strait during night hours.