A QatarEnergy-controlled liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker is heading to Pakistan after becoming the first company-operated vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in nearly three weeks. Ship-tracking data from LSEG and Kpler confirmed the latest movement.
The LNG carrier, Al Areesh, departed from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal after loading its cargo earlier this month. The vessel successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz overnight on July 29.
According to LSEG tracking data, the tanker is now sailing toward Port Qasim in Pakistan. It is expected to arrive on July 31.
The departure is an important development for QatarEnergy because it marks the company’s first LNG tanker to leave the Strait of Hormuz since July 11. Vessel movements in the region had slowed due to recent disruptions and security concerns.
The last QatarEnergy-controlled LNG carrier to exit the strategic waterway before Al Areesh was Al Rekayyat. Data from Kpler also showed that Al Hamra was the previous LNG tanker to pass through the route on July 11. That vessel transported LNG cargo from the UAE’s Das Island.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes. It plays a vital role in transporting oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf countries to international markets. Any disruption in the area can affect global energy supplies and shipping schedules.
In a separate development, the Mraweh LNG tanker, operated by ADNOC Gas, was seen again inside the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Earlier, the vessel had been detected outside the waterway. Kpler data showed that the tanker remained in ballast, meaning it was sailing without cargo.
Ship-tracking information also indicated that maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz increased on Wednesday. A total of 12 commodity vessels crossed the chokepoint during the day. Six ships entered the strait, while another six departed.
Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained uneven. Industry analysts said that ongoing regional security concerns continue to influence shipping decisions. Many vessel operators are carefully planning routes to reduce potential risks.
In other news read more about Pakistan Buys Costliest LNG Cargo Since 2022 Amid Rising Global Prices
The latest voyage by QatarEnergy signals a gradual return of LNG shipping through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. Market observers will continue monitoring tanker movements as regional conditions evolve and global energy trade remains sensitive to security developments.
