Two Qatari LNG Ships Fail to Breach Strait of Hormuz, Turn Back in Persian Gulf

Two tanker ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar changed their destination to Pakistan and were later 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 moved from Qatar towards the Strait of Hormuz. This attempt marks the first time an LNG-laden ship from the Gulf state has left for the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict reignited in the Middle East following the joint US and Israel attack on Iran on 28 February 2026. Ship tracking data then showed the two vessels turning back before reaching the Strait of Hormuz. The data also indicated that the tankers subsequently listed Pakistan as their next destination. However, their latest movements suggest uncertainty about whether they will make another attempt to cross the strait. Based on the latest available tracking footage, the ships are located near Oman after turning back. This latest change of course is occurring because 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 decline in the volume of shipping traffic on the strategic maritime route that carries around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.