Two Tankers from Qatar Abandon Attempt to Cross the Strait of Hormuz - Bloomberg

Two tankers, Al Daayen and Rasheeda, which loaded LNG at an export facility in Qatar at the end of February, turned away from the Strait of Hormuz after previously heading towards it near the coast of Oman. This decision comes in light of escalating tensions in the region, raising concerns about the safety of maritime transport.

The Al Daayen tanker still lists China, the largest buyer of LNG from Qatar, as its next destination. However, it is important to note that the destinations of vessels are not final and can change at any moment depending on circumstances at sea and in the region.

As of now, no LNG-laden tanker has successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. This indicates significant risks associated with transport through this strategic waterway, which is crucial for the global energy market.

According to data collected by the analytical firm Kpler, Qatar has made deliveries of two LNG shipments to Kuwait in recent weeks. These shipments were likely loaded from Qatari storage tanks, allowing them to avoid the need to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Transit through the Strait of Hormuz would have been a 'breath of fresh air' for Qatar, which supplied nearly one-fifth of the world's LNG last year. This underscores the importance of stability in the region to ensure uninterrupted energy resource supplies.

Furthermore, an important aspect of the situation is the statement from Anwar Gargash, a diplomat and advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, who noted that any resolution to the conflict between the U.S. and Iran must guarantee the unhindered passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This issue is becoming increasingly relevant amid rising tensions in the region.

Photo: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

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