Qatar Prepares for Potential LNG Restart Amid Hormuz Tensions

Qatar is repositioning its LNG fleet near the Strait of Hormuz in preparation for a potential restart of exports through the waterway. According to ship-tracking data, six empty Qatari-linked LNG carriers are currently in or heading towards the Gulf of Oman.

A separate empty tanker recently transited the strait and is now bound for Qatar inside the Persian Gulf. This repositioning suggests that Qatar may be planning to resume exports despite ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.

Qatar has been loading LNG cargoes onto available tankers inside the Persian Gulf, with two vessels currently taking on gas at the Ras Laffan export terminal. However, most overseas shipments have been paused since a tanker was attacked in late July.

The disruption has thinned the pool of available empty ships, with 15 Qatari LNG carriers waiting behind Hormuz and two empty tankers attempting to make the passage before turning back.