LNG Tankers Resume Hormuz Transits Despite Renewed Fighting

More liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have resumed transiting the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, ship-tracking data showed, despite renewed fighting in the Middle East.

At least five empty LNG tankers have entered the strait, including GasLog Shanghai and four QatarEnergy-linked vessels. The very large crude carrier Nissos Kea also entered the waterway on Thursday, while Lila Vadinar exited.

Iran is now striking vessels using the “Omani route” rather than targeting all shipping, Vortexa analyst Xavier Tang said. He added that vessels were therefore likely to turn toward the “Iranian route” or pass through the strait with their tracking systems switched off.

Meanwhile, 22 Japan-linked vessels left the Gulf between Tuesday and Thursday, Japanese Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko said on Friday. The number remaining in the region has fallen from 45 vessels with about 1,100 crew members at the start of the conflict to four vessels carrying around 100 crew.

(Reuters, Max)