First LNG Tanker Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Middle East Conflict Began

An LNG tanker managed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. appears to have become the first loaded liquefied natural gas carrier to cross the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, according to ship-tracking data.

The 136,357-cubic-meter Mubaraz loaded cargo at ADNOC’s Das Island facility in the United Arab Emirates in early March.

After remaining inside the Gulf, the vessel stopped transmitting signals around March 30-31.

It later reappeared on April 27 off India’s west coast, suggesting it may have crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the period it was not transmitting.

Tracking data showed the vessel later passing the southern tip of India. It is currently signaling China as its destination and is expected to arrive around May 15.

If confirmed, it would be the first loaded LNG shipment to pass through the strait since shipping movements were heavily disrupted by US-Iran tensions and blockades in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy trade, handling about one-fifth of the world’s LNG supply.

Vessel traffic through the waterway has dropped sharply over the past two months.

Ships in the region have been using tactics such as switching off transponders, transmitting false identification numbers, or masking their positions because of security risks, according to ship-tracking data. These practices have also made verification difficult.

ADNOC did not respond to requests for comment.

Alex Froley, senior LNG analyst at ICIS, reportedly said there had been no official confirmation of the vessel’s position and cautioned that signal errors or identity spoofing can sometimes occur.

He added that if the crossing is confirmed, it could be a positive sign for gas markets, though one successful transit would not necessarily mean other LNG vessels will follow.

Several Qatari LNG tankers approached the Strait of Hormuz in April but turned back amid continuing tensions, according to reports.

Earlier this month, an empty Omani LNG tanker was reported to have crossed the strait, but no loaded LNG carrier had been confirmed to do so.

References: Reuters, Economic Times