Qatar Resumes LNG Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Security Risks

Despite persistent security concerns in the region, Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels have resumed transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Over the weekend, four LNG cargoes loaded from Ras Laffan reappeared outside the strait after passing through the waterway, extending a recent uptick in Qatar's LNG traffic. The increased traffic comes amid ongoing risks linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

According to ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG, three of the vessels, Bu Samra, Al Gattara, and Al Sadd, are linked to QatarEnergy. Al Gattara is currently heading to Zhejiang, China, while Al Sadd delivered its cargo to India's Dahej terminal on October 3. The fourth vessel, Al Kharsaah, is managed by Seapeak Maritime, an independent operator of gas carriers.

All four vessels were last seen inside the strait between September 18 and 27. Many vessels passing through the strait make 'dark transits' by turning off their Automatic Identification System transponders to avoid detection. Additionally, another LNG vessel, Al Marrouna, also managed by Seapeak Maritime, reappeared inside the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qatar on October 2 after previously being tracked outside the waterway.

QatarEnergy and Seapeak Maritime did not respond to requests for comment.