Qatari LNG tankers transit Hormuz as Gulf trade rebounds

The liquefied natural gas carriers Bu Samra and Patris passed through the Strait of Hormuz early Thursday after being stranded in the Gulf for months during the recent war between the United States and Iran, maritime tracking data showed.

Bu Samra, which sails under the Marshall Islands flag, has listed the Far East as its destination, while the Liberian-flagged Patris showed no immediate destination, according to vessel tracking records. LNG trade through the Strait of Hormuz had been severely reduced during the war in the Middle East, disrupting exports from Qatar and damaging energy facilities across the region.

Post-war recovery

Traffic through the strait began to recover after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month aimed at ending the war. Maritime data provider Kpler said 31 verified crossings by commercial and energy-linked vessels were recorded on June 23, indicating a gradual return to normal operations.

Production ramp-up

Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Qatar is preparing to rapidly increase LNG production once the Strait of Hormuz reopens fully, with plans to restore most of its export capacity within two months. QatarEnergy told buyers it expects production to reach about 50 percent of capacity one month after safe passage through the strait is restored and about 80 percent within two months, the report added.