Reuters has recently reported that more Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, despite continued security risks linked to the US-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 October 3.
Another Seapeak-managed LNG carrier, Al Marrouna, also reappeared in ballast inside the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qatar on October 2, 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 percent of the country’s LNG shipments transiting the waterway in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. Almost 90 percent of Qatari and UAE LNG volumes passing through the strait were destined for Asian markets, including China, India, Japan and South Korea.
