Qatar-Linked LNG Tankers Reappear Around Strait of Hormuz Despite Conflict

More QatarEnergy-linked liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels have been seen moving through the Strait of Hormuz over the past week, despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The latest vessel movements suggest that some LNG shipments from Qatar are moving through the waterway again.

Kpler data showed no visible transit of Qatar-linked LNG vessels or ships carrying cargoes from Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal in August. However, visible LNG tanker movements have increased this month. Some vessels may also have passed through the strait without being detected after switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders.

Individual Vessel Movements

According to LSEG and Kpler data, the newest ship detected outside the strait was GasLog Skagen, which was spotted off Sri Lanka on September 27 and was loaded with cargo from Ras Laffan. Under the control of GasLog LNG Services of Greece, the ship had been in the Gulf, and was transporting cargoes from Qatar to both the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. It was last spotted inside the Gulf on September 20.

Another Qatar-linked LNG carrier, Al Shamal, was last seen inside the strait on September 19 before appearing outside Hormuz around September 24-25. The vessel is managed by Seapeak Maritime and is currently moving near southern India.

Two other Qatar-linked vessels, Mesaimeer and Al Ghashamiya, also left the Gulf carrying Ras Laffan cargoes. Mesaimeer appeared off Oman on September 23, while Al Ghashamiya delivered its cargo to Dahej, India, on September 24.

Key Highlights

• GasLog Skagen appeared off Sri Lanka on September 27 with a Ras Laffan cargo.
• Al Shamal, Mesaimeer and Al Ghashamiya have also emerged from the Gulf with Qatar-origin LNG cargoes.
• Al Mafyar re-entered the Strait of Hormuz in ballast on September 22.

Other Vessel Movements

Other vessels, including Al Samriya, Al Daayen and Shandong Redwood, have also been seen completing movements through or around the waterway. Shandong Redwood transited the strait on September 19 before delivering its cargo to Pakistan on September 23.

QatarEnergy, GasLog LNG Services, Shandong Marine Energy and Seapeak Maritime did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tracking Remains Incomplete

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major route for global energy shipments. However, vessel tracking remains difficult because some ships make "dark transits" by switching off their AIS systems. This makes it difficult to determine the full scale of LNG traffic through the waterway.