JAKARTA - Two tankers carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar changed their destination to Pakistan and then were seen circling the Persian Gulf near Oman after on Monday (6/4) trying to approach the Strait of Hormuz.
As reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, April 7, according to MarineTraffic ship tracking data, the two ships named Rasheeda and Al Daayen were moving from Qatar to the Strait of Hormuz.
This effort is the first time that a ship loaded with LNG from Qatar has left the Gulf country for the Strait of Hormuz, since the conflict has flared up again in the Middle East due to the joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026.
Ship tracking data then showed the two ships turned around before reaching the Strait of Hormuz.
Data shows the tankers then listed Pakistan as their next destination, but their latest movements indicate uncertainty over whether they will make another attempt to cross the strait.
Based on the latest tracking footage available, the ships are near Oman after turning around.
This latest change of course comes as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still severely disrupted due to ongoing regional conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran.
The feud has led to a significant drop in the number of ship traffic in strategic maritime routes through which about 20 percent of the world's liquid oil and natural gas pass.
If the two Qatari ships manage to complete the voyage, they will mark the first LNG-laden cargo transit through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, according to ship tracking data.
The Strait of Hormuz is key to most global seaborne oil and gas trade. Any disruption in the vital waterway has direct implications for regional energy and shipping markets.
Currently, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by Iran, in response to US and Israeli attacks.
On Sunday (5/4), Oman stated that it had held talks with Iran on options to help ensure the smooth sailing of the waterway amid regional tensions.
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