Qatar Resumes LNG Exports through Strait of Hormuz amid Global Energy Shipping Crisis
Three liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers loaded in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, signaling cautious efforts by Gulf energy exporters to maintain critical LNG shipments to major Asian buyers despite escalating maritime security risks and severe disruptions in one of the world’s most strategic shipping corridors.
According to ship-tracking data, the LNG carrier Al Rayyan was observed north of Muscat, Oman, on Monday after successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is reportedly bound for China, the largest importer of Qatari LNG in 2025. The tanker had stopped transmitting its tracking signal around May 22 while waiting near Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG export terminal in the Persian Gulf.
A second LNG carrier, Fuwairit, also completed a transit through the Strait between Sunday and Monday. The vessel, which loaded cargo in Qatar in late March, temporarily switched off its transponder while passing through the chokepoint before reappearing north of Muscat. Shipping data indicates the tanker is now heading toward Pakistan.
The Strait of Hormuz remains under extreme operational pressure as prolonged tensions between the United States and Iran continue to disrupt maritime trade flows and regional energy logistics. The strategic waterway normally handles nearly 20% of global LNG trade, making it one of the most important energy shipping routes in the world.
Due to rising geopolitical tensions and security threats, many commercial vessels moving through the Strait are reportedly disabling tracking systems during transit to reduce detection risks. Maritime security analysts say the majority of vessel movements through the region are now occurring under heightened precautionary measures.
Gulf LNG exporters are increasingly attempting to move stranded energy cargoes out of the region after weeks of disruption linked to the conflict that intensified in late February. Over the weekend, another LNG tanker carrying cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s Das Island export facility was reportedly seen leaving the Strait of Hormuz en route to India.
Despite these successful voyages, LNG exports through the corridor remain significantly below normal levels. Industry shipping data shows that only seven LNG cargoes have managed to transit the Strait since military strikes involving the US and Israel against Iran began. Before the conflict escalated, approximately three LNG tankers were exiting the waterway every day.
Read: Third Qatari LNG Tanker Passes through Strait of Hormuz Bound for China amid Regional Tensions
The Al Rayyan LNG carrier is owned by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, while Fuwairit is linked to a joint venture involving Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. QatarEnergy and the shipping firms have not issued immediate public comments regarding the reported voyages.
