Qatar Successfully Navigates LNG Tanker Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

A Qatari LNG tanker successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz in the past two days, despite rising regional tensions threatening a potential US-Iran peace agreement. According to ship tracking data (collected by Bloomberg), the "Al-Dhaayen" tanker, loaded from Ras Laffan in late February, was spotted east of Oman heading to China. It ceased broadcasting its signal around June 5 while anchored near Ras Laffan in the Arabian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for about a fifth of global LNG supplies, remains effectively closed amidst stalled US and Iranian peace efforts, leading to a de facto blockade. Amid security threats, LNG exporters urged tankers to switch off transponders to avoid detection. Since US and Israeli strikes against Iran began in late February, only 8 other LNG shipments have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. This contrasts with an average of three tankers daily before the conflict escalated. This crossing coincides with an exchange of missile strikes between Israel and Iran today, despite President Donald Trump's call for both parties to cease hostilities and give peace talks a chance. Seapeak, manager of Al-Dhaayen, and QatarEnergy did not respond to comment requests. Data indicates the tanker has primarily transported Qatari fuel exports over the past decade.