Qatar LNG Tankers Return to Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflict Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz has seen an increase in Qatar-linked liquefied natural gas tanker traffic in recent weeks, according to shipping data. This comes after a decrease in August due to concerns over possible Iranian attacks during the US-Iran conflict.

Data from Kpler and the London Stock Exchange Group showed that both laden and empty LNG carriers linked to QatarEnergy have been recorded crossing the strait since September 1st. In August, no Qatar-linked LNG tankers or vessels carrying cargoes from Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility were detected transiting the strait.

The GasLog Skagen, which carries LNG from Ras Laffan, was spotted off Sri Lanka on September 27th after leaving the Gulf. The Al Shamal tanker, also carrying Qatari LNG, was last detected inside the Strait of Hormuz on September 19th before reappearing outside the waterway around September 24-25.