Qatar LNG Vessels Resume Transits Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

Despite ongoing conflict in the region, Qatar-linked liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels have resumed transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Since August, when no visible transits by Qatar-linked LNG vessels were reported due to fears of attack by Iran, several vessels have passed through the strait.

The latest vessel to reappear outside the strait is the GasLog Skagen, which was last seen off Sri Lanka on September 27 with a cargo from Ras Laffan. Other Qatar-linked vessels, such as Al Shamal and Mesaimeer, also left the Gulf with cargoes from Ras Laffan.

While some vessels may have made 'dark transits' by turning off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid detection, several LNG vessels have been visible in transit. Shandong Redwood managed by Shandong Marine Energy transited through the strait on September 19 and delivered a cargo to Pakistan on September 23.