LNG Tankers Execute Rare Fuel Transfer Amid Hormuz Tensions

Two liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers appear to have conducted a ship-to-ship transfer outside the Strait of Hormuz, according to satellite images reviewed by Bloomberg. The LNG Enugu, owned by BW Gas LNG Carriers, was docked near Sohar in the Gulf of Oman alongside the Mraweh, a vessel owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. The positioning of the ships suggests a cargo transfer, a maneuver that is relatively rare for LNG due to the complexities of keeping the fuel super-chilled.

The maneuver comes amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have effectively halted visible LNG shipments since an Iranian attack on a Qatar-owned tanker in early July. While Iran and Oman are reportedly close to an agreement on managing the strait, no final deal has been reached. The ship-to-ship transfer may indicate an attempt to keep LNG flowing despite the security risks.

According to Go Katayama, principal insight analyst for LNG at Kpler, this method allows shuttle vessels to move cargoes from Das Island and transfer them outside the strait, reducing exposure for other LNG carriers. He expects such activity to remain high as long as regional security risks persist. The Mraweh was last seen inside the Persian Gulf near the western entrance of Hormuz on July 29, and it crossed the strait without transmitting a signal during its voyage.

Both BW Group and Adnoc Logistics & Services declined to comment on the specific operational matters, including vessel movements and voyage planning.