Qatari Tanker Ships Change Course Before Entering the Strait of Hormuz

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Two tankers carrying Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) changed their destination to Pakistan and were then seen circling in the Persian Gulf near Oman after attempting to approach the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (6/4). According to MarineTraffic ship tracking data, the two ships named Rasheeda and Al Daayen were moving from Qatar towards the Strait of Hormuz. This attempt is the first time a Qatar-loaded LNG ship has left the Gulf country towards the Gulf of Hormuz since the conflict reignited in the Middle East due to the joint US and Israel attack on Iran on 28 February 2026. Ship tracking data then showed the two ships turning back before reaching the Strait of Hormuz. The data shows that the tankers then listed Pakistan as their next destination, but their latest movements indicate uncertainty about whether they will make another attempt to cross the strait. Based on the latest available tracking snippets, the ships are near Oman after turning back. This latest course change comes as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted due to the ongoing regional conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. The dispute has caused a significant drop in the number of ships transiting the strategic maritime route, through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. If the two Qatari ships succeed in completing the voyage, they would mark the first transit of LNG-loaded cargo 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 this critical waterway has direct implications for energy markets and regional shipping. Currently, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is controlled by Iran, in response to the US and Israel attack. On Sunday (5/4), Oman stated it had held talks with Iran about options to help ensure smooth shipping through the waterway amid regional tensions. Source: Anadolu