Qatar Sends 4 LNG Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz Despite Renewed Hormuz Closure Threat
Our take
The recent transit of four Qatari LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, despite renewed threats of closure, represents a significant development with far-reaching implications for global energy markets and maritime trade. This act of defiance underscores Qatar’s commitment to fulfilling its LNG supply contracts and highlights the potential for escalating tensions in a strategically vital waterway. The situation is further complicated by the interconnectedness of global supply chains; a disruption to LNG flows through the Strait would not only impact energy consumers but could also ripple through other sectors, as demonstrated by the potential Shipping Slowdown In Strait Of Hormuz Threatens Global Aluminium Supply Chains. The presence of the Marshall Islands-flagged dry bulk vessel, Summit Success, also entering the Gulf, suggests continued commercial activity despite the heightened geopolitical risk. Measuring and validating the resilience of these maritime routes is crucial for understanding the breadth of global economic risk.
The Strait of Hormuz is, undeniably, a critical chokepoint. Approximately 30% of the world’s seaborne oil passes through it, making it a key artery for global energy supply. Any disruption to this flow would have immediate and substantial consequences for oil prices and global economic stability. The renewed threats, primarily emanating from Iran, are likely a response to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including discussions around Iran’s nuclear program and its broader regional influence. The movement of these LNG tankers signals a calculated risk by Qatar, prioritizing contractual obligations and energy security despite the potential for confrontation. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to diversify trade routes, though the Strait remains the most efficient option for many shippers. Analyzing the microbial dynamics of the region is equally crucial, as demonstrated by research into coral health and resilience, such as Identifying coral microbiome needles in the microbial haystack: sampling and analysis considerations for prokarya in planulae and polyps – understanding these sensitive ecosystems helps us appreciate the broader environmental consequences of maritime activity and potential conflict.
The recent resumption of container ship traffic at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port, following the lifting of a US naval blockade, further complicates the situation. Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port Receives First Container Ship After US Lifts Naval Blockade demonstrates a degree of normalization in trade activities, but the underlying tensions remain palpable. The interplay between these events—LNG tanker transits, container ship movements, and threats of closure—suggests a complex game of brinkmanship, where economic interests are weighed against geopolitical ambitions. Real-time monitoring of vessel movements, coupled with empirical data on energy flows and geopolitical developments, is essential to accurately assess the evolving risk landscape. Calibrated assessments, based on longitudinal data, are necessary to avoid misinterpretations and facilitate informed decision-making.
Looking ahead, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz demands close and continuous observation. The question is not whether tensions will escalate further, but when and how. The resilience of global supply chains, and the ability of energy markets to absorb potential disruptions, will be tested. Integrating data from various sources—maritime tracking, geopolitical analysis, and economic indicators—will be crucial to developing ocean intelligence capable of providing early warning of potential crises. The ongoing calibration of risk models and the development of integrated data ecosystems are paramount to ensuring a stable and predictable operating environment for global trade and energy security. What measures, beyond reactive responses, can be implemented to proactively mitigate the risks associated with this vital waterway and ensure its continued, safe operation?
Four Qatar-controlled liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers entered the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, despite a sharp drop in ship traffic after Iran said it had closed the strategic waterway again over the weekend.
The LNG carriers, Al Sadd, Mekaines, Mesaimeer, and Wadi Al Sail, entered the strait via the Iranian route for the first time since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, according to ship-tracking data from analytics firm Kpler.
QatarEnergy, whose LNG exports have been heavily affected since the conflict began, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Marshall Islands-flagged dry bulk vessel Summit Success also entered the Gulf on Monday, according to LSEG data.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below normal levels. Kpler data showed only five vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, compared with 26 the previous day.
Those included three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), each carrying about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude or fuel oil. One of the tankers was heading to Japan.
Shipbroker Clarksons said daily vessel crossings are still below the roughly 125 transits seen before the conflict began, although traffic is gradually picking up.
Shipping sources said the actual number of ships using the strait could be higher because some vessels may have switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders or experienced AIS tracking outages.
The U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center said commercial traffic has started increasing, with ships using both Omani territorial waters and the northern Iranian-controlled route through the strait.
Iran had lifted its effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz last week after agreeing with the United States to extend an April ceasefire by 60 days to allow peace talks to continue.
However, Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Saturday that it had closed the waterway again in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Despite that announcement, oil exports have continued to move through the strait.
The U.S. Central Command said 55 merchant ships carrying more than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
Among the vessels leaving the Gulf that day were three VLCCs carrying crude from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq, along with three tankers carrying refined oil products. Another 13 ships entered the strait on Saturday, including two VLCCs.
Hamid Bovard, head of the National Iranian Oil Company, told state television on Sunday that more than 25 million barrels of Iranian oil had crossed what he described as the virtual blockade line since last Monday.
LSEG and Kpler data also showed that three sanctioned VLCCs, Elva, Virgo and Vigor, loaded with Iranian crude from Kharg Island between late April and early May were leaving the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
To give buyers more flexibility, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) and Kuwait Petroleum Corp have issued tenders allowing crude to be loaded either inside or outside the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said two South Korean-operated vessels also passed through the strait last week after the interim peace agreement, although it did not identify the ships.
A spokesperson for the Japan Shipowners’ Association said the number of Japanese-linked vessels still operating in the Gulf has fallen to 37 from 45 when the conflict began.
Separately, two ADNOC-controlled LNG tankers were delivering cargoes to India after recently leaving the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kpler and LSEG data.
The Al Hamra tanker was unloading LNG at the Ennore LNG terminal, while Mubaraz was scheduled to discharge its cargo at the Kochi terminal on Tuesday.
Both vessels were last seen east of the strait in ballast between late May and early June before reappearing over the weekend off India’s coast carrying LNG cargoes.
ADNOC said it does not comment on the position, movements or routing of its vessels or on third-party ship-tracking reports.
According to Kpler and LSEG data, Al Hamra and Mubaraz have each completed two “dark” voyages from the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, sailing without continuous public AIS tracking.
References: The Hindu, Reuters
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