Visible transits by Qatar-linked LNG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz have resumed after none were recorded in August. The latest movements suggest that some cargoes are leaving the Gulf again, although the waterway cannot yet be considered reliable while the US-Iran conflict continues.
GasLog Skagen was reported off Sri Lanka on 27 September with a cargo from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal. It had previously operated between Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Al Shamal also reappeared outside the strait, while Mesaimeer and Al Ghashamiya were reported to have departed the Gulf with Ras Laffan cargoes.
Al Samriya, Al Daayen and Shandong Redwood were observed outside the waterway or on voyages to Asia. Al Mafyar was reported to have entered the strait in ballast.
The figures remain difficult to interpret because vessels may switch off their Automatic Identification System transponders. These “dark” passages leave buyers, ship operators and terminals without a complete view of traffic, making arrival forecasts and capacity planning less dependable.
European LNG customers should continue to allow for delays, higher freight and insurance costs, and competition for alternative cargoes. A prolonged reduction in Hormuz traffic could lengthen supply routes and raise the cost of securing replacement volumes. Further vessel observations are reported by MarineLink.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.