Another liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (Adnoc) has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a cautious revival of energy flows through the strategically vital waterway amid ongoing regional tensions.
The LNG carrier Umm Al Ashtan, managed by Adnoc Logistics & Services, reappeared northwest of Muscat, Oman, carrying a cargo bound for India, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. The vessel had stopped transmitting its tracking signal around May 2 while idling empty near the eastern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite imagery later indicated that the tanker loaded LNG cargo at Adnoc’s Das Island export terminal inside the Persian Gulf during the period it was “dark.” Images also showed LNG vessels continuing operations at Das Island despite ships not broadcasting their positions near the facility.
The latest movement comes amid a modest increase in tanker traffic through Hormuz. At least two non-Iranian crude oil supertankers have also recently exited the Persian Gulf, raising hopes of a gradual normalization in regional energy exports.
LNG traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has remained severely disrupted since the outbreak of the Iran conflict in late February, effectively choking nearly one-fifth of global LNG supply. Before the crisis, roughly three LNG carriers transited the strait daily, primarily transporting cargoes from Qatar, the world’s leading LNG exporter.
Adnoc has now reportedly exported four LNG cargoes from the Persian Gulf using vessels that temporarily ceased broadcasting their positions while navigating the sensitive waterway. One of the previously departed tankers is currently docking at a port in western India.
Adnoc has not yet commented on the latest shipment movements.