Bloomberg: Qatar moves LNG tankers back toward Gulf

Qatar is beginning to reposition some of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers back toward the Middle East as the country prepares to ramp up exports in anticipation of a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a reported U.S.–Iran agreement.

At least four empty LNG vessels owned by Qatar have recently changed course and are heading back toward the region after previously being idle or sailing in other directions, according to ship-tracking data. Another Qatar-chartered vessel is also en route to the area, Bloomberg reports.

The tankers are all reportedly signalling Ras Laffan, home to the world’s largest LNG export facility, as their next destination.

In addition, four other Qatar-linked LNG carriers are currently anchored in the Gulf of Oman and may attempt to transit the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf.

Qatar has not sent LNG vessels into the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of hostilities in February, underscoring the disruption to regional shipping routes during the conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli