Qatar Prepares for Possible LNG Export Restart Amid Ongoing Tensions
Qatar is positioning its LNG carriers for a potential return to exports through the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data. Several empty vessels linked to Qatar are moving towards the Persian Gulf, suggesting that gas production could resume despite regional tensions.
The movements come after an attack on one of Qatar's tankers in late July led to almost complete halting of shipments. However, QatarEnergy has continued loading LNG onto available vessels inside the Gulf and supplying fuel to Kuwait to maintain storage levels.
Ship-tracking data shows six empty Qatari-linked LNG carriers either in the Gulf of Oman or sailing towards the waterway, while another empty carrier recently crossed Hormuz and is now in the Persian Gulf heading towards Qatar. This suggests that Qatar is preparing for a possible restart of shipments even as tensions remain high.
The extended interruption to exports has reduced Qatar's supply of available empty LNG carriers, with 15 vessels currently idled behind Hormuz and two more loading at the Ras Laffan export terminal in Qatar.