First Full LNG Tanker Leaves Persian Gulf Since Early March Blockage of Hormuz

A vessel laden with liquefied natural gas (LNG) has left the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping tracker Kpler. This is the first time a full LNG carrier has passed through since the strategic waterway was largely closed following the outbreak of conflict in early March. Analysis of Kpler data by AFP shows the 'Mubaraz,' owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), left the gulf at some point in April carrying 132,890 cubic meters of LNG. ADNOC is the state-owned oil firm of the United Arab Emirates. The ship had loaded its cargo at Das Island on March 2 and turned off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) for a full month before reappearing off the coast of India yesterday. Analysts believe the vessel managed to cross during the weekend of April 18-19, when several other ships reportedly attempted the passage. Since March 1, only one other LNG ship, the Sohar LNG, had crossed, but it was empty or carrying a negligible amount of gas.