Qatar Attempts First LNG Shipment Through Strait of Hormuz Since Iran War Began

Qatar is attempting to send a liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that — if successful — would mark the country’s first export through the waterway since the Iran war began, Stephen Stapczynski and Weilun Soon reported for Bloomberg News.

Qatar supplied nearly one-fifth of global LNG demand last year. (Photo: QatarEnergy LNG)

The Al Kharaitiyat, which loaded cargo at the Ras Laffan export terminal earlier this month, is currently navigating waters between Oman and Iran, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

The vessel lists Pakistan as its next destination.

The tanker is reportedly using the Tehran-approved northern route near Qeshm and Larak islands.

Qatar has made several previous attempts to move shipments through Hormuz, but the vessels were forced to turn back.

Qatar, which supplied nearly one-fifth of global LNG demand last year, has struggled to export LNG from the Persian Gulf since the conflict began in late February.

The effective closure of the waterway has tightened global supplies of LNG, sending prices higher and causing shortages across emerging Asian markets.

Both Iran and the US have imposed de facto blockades, creating heightened security risks for shipping traffic.

At least two LNG tankers loaded from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. export facilities have successfully crossed the strait since the conflict began, Bloomberg previously reported.

However, those shipments remain well below pre-war levels of roughly three LNG cargoes per day.