More Qatari LNG cargoes transit Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing risks

• Four LNG vessels carrying Qatari cargoes reappeared outside the Strait of Hormuz on October 2-3, including three QatarEnergy-linked vessels (Bu Samra, Al Gattara, Al Sadd) and one Seapeak Maritime-managed vessel (Al Kharsaah)
• Many vessels are conducting 'dark transits' through the strait by turning off Automatic Identification System transponders to avoid detection amid heightened security concerns
• Destinations include China (Al Gattara signaling for Zhejiang) and India (Al Sadd delivered to Dahej terminal on October 3), showing continued LNG trade flows despite regional tensions

Summary: More Qatari LNG Cargoes Transit Strait of Hormuz Despite Ongoing Risks

Key Development:

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal are increasingly transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened security risks from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. This marks a resumption in Qatar's LNG traffic through the strategically critical waterway.

Key Facts:

• Four LNG vessels carrying Qatari cargoes emerged outside the Strait of Hormuz around October 2-3, 2026
• Three vessels—Bu Samra, Al Gattara, and Al Sadd—are linked to QatarEnergy
• Al Gattara is heading to Zhejiang, China; Al Sadd delivered cargo to India's Dahej terminal on October 3
• The fourth vessel, Al Kharsaah, is managed by independent operator Seapeak Maritime
• All four vessels were previously tracked inside the strait between September 18-27
• Another vessel, Al Marrouna (Seapeak Maritime), reappeared in ballast inside the strait off Qatar's coast on October 2

Operational Details:

Many vessels conduct "dark transits" by disabling their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid detection while passing through the strait—a standard security precaution in high-risk zones.

Market Implications:

The resumption of LNG traffic suggests Qatar, the world's largest LNG exporter, is maintaining critical supply chains to key Asian markets (China, India) despite geopolitical tensions. Continued flows through Hormuz are vital for global energy security, as disruptions could significantly impact LNG prices and availability in major importing nations.

Neither QatarEnergy nor Seapeak Maritime provided comments on the movements.