Qatar Resumes LNG Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz Despite Security Risks

Qatar has resumed sending liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz, despite heightened security risks due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Four Qatari LNG carriers, Bu Samra, Al Gattara, Al Sadd, and Al Kharsaah, were recently tracked exiting the strait between October 2 and 3, according to data from Kpler and LSEG. Three of these vessels are linked to QatarEnergy, while Al Kharsaah is managed by Seapeak Maritime.

The resumption of shipments follows a pause in August, triggered by concerns over Iranian attacks on shipping in the strategic waterway. The four vessels had previously been tracked inside the strait between September 18 and 27. Some ships transiting the strait switch off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders, making their movements difficult to monitor.

Al Gattara is currently heading toward Zhejiang, China, while Al Sadd delivered its cargo to India’s Dahej terminal on October 3. The shipments include both fully loaded tankers heading to market and empty vessels returning to Qatar. This resumption highlights the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy supply chains, despite the persistent security risks.