Key points

  • Vessel tracking data showed 31 LNG tankers exited the Strait of Hormuz in October, the highest monthly tally since the US-Iran conflict began this year.
  • S&P Global Energy reported that October exports increased from September's corresponding tally of 23 vessels.
  • Kpler data indicated that Ras Laffan's October loadings reached 35 cargoes, surpassing 2.7 million tons, while separate ship-to-ship transfers occurred off Oman's coast.

Liquefied natural gas traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz climbed to its highest monthly tally in October since disruptions from the US-Iran conflict began earlier this year, according to vessel tracking data cited by Business Recorder. The key waterway saw 31 laden LNG tankers exit last month, reflecting a notable shift in energy transit volumes compared to previous months.

Key Details

According to data from S&P Global Energy, the 31 tankers exiting the strait in October included 23 loaded at Ras Laffan in Qatar and eight at Das Island in the United Arab Emirates. This marked an increase from September, when 23 vessels completed the transit.

Eric Yep, a senior principal analyst at S&P Global Energy, stated according to Business Recorder that the UAE has returned to pre-war transit levels while Qatar is operating at over 30% of its pre-war Hormuz transits. Separately, shiptracking data from Kpler showed that 42 LNG cargoes were loaded in October, compared to 27 in September.

Kpler figures also indicated that Ras Laffan's October loadings reached 35 cargoes, exceeding 2.7 million tons, which represents the highest volume since the conflict started. For comparison, Qatar exported nearly 6.2 million tons in February. Additionally, Kpler data showed that two vessels carrying LNG from Ras Laffan conducted ship-to-ship transfers off Oman's Sohar anchorage, with the SC Prestige transferring cargo to the BW ENN Crystal Sky, and the Al Mafyar moving LNG to the Shandong Redwood and Ejnan.

Context and Impact

The resumption of higher transit volumes through the Strait of Hormuz highlights the ongoing adjustments in regional energy logistics following the maritime disruptions sparked by the US-Iran conflict. As key exporters like Qatar and the UAE navigate these operational challenges, secondary transfers off the coast of Oman demonstrate alternative handling methods for regional shipments.

Summary and What Next

The October surge underscores a partial recovery in shipping throughput through the critical maritime choke point, though analysts continue to monitor transit rates against pre-conflict baselines. Further updates will depend on regional security developments and ongoing vessel tracking reports from industry analysts.