Qatar LNG Vessels Retreat After Approaching Strait of Hormuz

Qatar LNG Vessels

Ship-tracking data revealed that two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from Qatar turned back after moving east toward the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the risks posed by the ongoing regional conflict.

The vessels, Al Daayen and Rasheeda, had loaded cargoes at Ras Laffan in late February, according to analytics firms Kpler and LSEG. Had they completed the transit, it would have marked the first passage of LNG shipments through the Strait since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28.

Data indicated that the Al Daayen tanker was signaling China as its destination at the time. Both carriers are operated by QatarEnergy, which has not issued a comment on the matter.

The retreat highlights the continuing uncertainty surrounding one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy flows, and disruptions to LNG and oil shipments have already intensified concerns over supply security and market volatility.

Source: Al Jazeera