Dubai: The first loaded liquefied natural gas shipment to leave since the West Asia war broke out two months ago appears to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, departing the Persian Gulf, Bloomberg reported.
The Mubaraz — which took on cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.’s Das Island terminal in the United Arab Emirates around early March — is now passing India’s southern tip, according to ship-tracking records. The tanker had idled inside the gulf but quit sending signals around March 31, resurfacing west of India on April 27, the records show.
Global energy markets stay locked on Hormuz flows, slashed to almost nil over the last two months by clashing Iran-US blockades. The shutdown of this crucial channel—handling nearly one-fifth of global LNG — has squeezed supplies and spiked prices higher.
This potential transit could spark hopes for greater LNG exports from the region, even as other vessels in the Gulf remain largely stationary for now. In contrast, before the war erupted, roughly three loaded LNG carriers typically cleared the Strait of Hormuz each day.
Currently, the Mubaraz is listing a terminal in China as its destination, with ship-tracking data estimating arrival in the Asian nation around May 15.
Adnoc, owner of the vessel through a subsidiary, said in an emailed statement that it does not comment on the position, movements or routing of its vessels. Ships often turn off transponders when passing Hormuz to mask detection — a standard tactic — and ship data can also be jammed or updated as needed.
In early April, ship-tracking data recorded an empty LNG tanker successfully exiting the Strait of Hormuz. To date, however, no vessel carrying a loaded cargo of the fuel has been verified as completing the transit. Several Qatari LNG carriers ventured toward the strait but ultimately turned back due to the unrelenting US-Iran tensions.
