Qatari LNG shipments continue through Strait of Hormuz amid security risks

Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments continue to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing security risks tied to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Recent tracking data from Kpler and LSEG shows four LNG carriers, Bu Samra, Al Gattara, Al Sadd, and Al Kharsaah, reappearing outside the strait around October 2-3 after previously being tracked inside the waterway. Three of these vessels are linked to QatarEnergy, while Al Kharsaah is managed by Seapeak Maritime.

The data indicates that Al Gattara is signaling for Zhejiang, China, and Al Sadd delivered its cargo to India’s Dahej terminal on October 3. The vessels had earlier been tracked inside the strait between September 18 and 27. Additionally, another Seapeak-managed LNG carrier, Al Marrouna, reappeared in ballast inside the Strait of Hormuz on October 2 after previously being tracked outside the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for Qatar’s LNG exports, with about 93% of the country’s shipments passing through the waterway in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. Qatar exported over 112 billion cubic meters of LNG that year, making it the world’s second-largest LNG exporter. Nearly 90% of Qatari and UAE LNG volumes passing through the strait are destined for Asian markets, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Reuters noted that some vessels transiting the strait may switch off their Automatic Identification System transponders, making their movements harder to track. Neither QatarEnergy nor Seapeak Maritime has commented on the claims.