More Qatari LNG cargoes transit Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing risks: Reuters

Qatari LNG shipments are continuing to move through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling sustained energy traffic through the strategic waterway despite heightened regional security concerns.Reuters reported on Monday that more Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, despite continued security risks linked to the U.S.,-Israeli war on Iran.Kpler and LSEG shiptracking data showed four LNG carriers; Bu Samra, Al Gattara, Al Sadd and Al Kharsaah, reappearing outside the strait around October 2-3 after previously being tracked inside the waterway.Three of the vessels are linked to QatarEnergy, while Al Kharsaah is managed by independent gas carrier operator Seapeak Maritime.Al Gattara is signalling for Zhejiang in China, while Al Sadd delivered its cargo to India’s Dahej terminal on 3 October. The four vessels had previously been tracked inside the strait between 18 and 27 September.Another Seapeak-managed LNG carrier, Al Marrouna, also reappeared in ballast inside the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qatar on 2 October, after previously being tracked outside the waterway.Reuters noted that some vessels transiting the strait may switch off their Automatic Identification System transponders, making their movements more difficult to track.Neither QatarEnergy nor Seapeak Maritime has commented on the claims, Reuters added.The Strait of Hormuz is critical to Qatar’s LNG exports, with about 93% of the country’s LNG shipments transiting the waterway in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency.Qatar exported more than 112 billion cubic metres of LNG that year, making it the world’s second-largest LNG exporter.Almost 90% of Qatari and UAE LNG volumes passing through the strait were destined for Asian markets, including China, India, Japan and South Korea.