Qatari LNG tanker navigates Strait of Hormuz amid U.S.-Iran conflict

For the first time since the conflict between the U.S. and Iran escalated in late February, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker from Qatar has successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, named Al Kharaitiyat, was loaded at the Ras Laffan export terminal earlier this month and has since exited the strait, entering the Gulf of Oman. The vessel is headed toward Pakistan, according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

The tanker appears to have followed the northern route through the strait, which has been approved by Tehran and runs closer to the Iranian coast. This marks a significant development for Qatar, which has been unable to ship any LNG through the Persian Gulf since the war began. Last year, Qatar accounted for nearly a fifth of global LNG exports, making this a crucial trade route for the country.

This transit comes shortly after reports that at least two other LNG tankers, loaded at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s plant, had also crossed the Strait of Hormuz post-conflict. Iran has recently introduced new rules for ships passing through the strait and has warned of “appropriate consequences” for non-compliance.