Strait of hormuz: A Qatari tanker loaded with liquid natural gas has crossed the Strait of Hormuz on its way to Pakistan, according to ship tracking data. The ship, named Al Kharaitiyat, marks the first Qatari-owned and operated tanker to navigate the strait since the conflict between Iran and the United States began at the end of February, shipping analysts have noted.
According to Ghana Web, at 4 a.m. ET Sunday, the Al Kharaitiyat was located in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel's tracking route indicates that it transited Hormuz using the Iran-approved northern route near Qeshm Island, as confirmed by the MarineTraffic tracking site. This movement has drawn attention due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported Sunday that "the passage of this Qatari oil tanker indicates that Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz continues." This statement underscores the strategic importance of the waterway and the complex dynamics at play.
Al Kharaitiyat, capable of carrying more than 200,000 cubic meters of liquid gas, was loaded at Qatar's Ras Laffan export hub earlier this month. Qatar, a major player in the global LNG market, typically supplies nearly 20% of the world's LNG. However, its production has been disrupted, and its main facility sustained damage during the conflict, affecting its export capabilities.