In a development that offers cautious optimism for the resumption of maritime activity, LNG carrier Umm Al Ashtan is heading toward the Strait of Hormuz after departing Dahej, where it had earlier discharged its cargo.
The vessel, which had completed operations in early March and remained idle amid regional tensions, is expected to cross the strait on Friday (May 1) en route to Das Island in the UAE. Its movement marks one of the first instances since the onset of the Israel-Iran conflict 2026 that a ballast LNG carrier is sailing upstream to load cargo, even as a large number of laden vessels remain stranded inside the Persian Gulf.
Industry observers view the transit as an early indication that LNG production activities may be resuming at Das Island, which has an annual capacity of around 6 million tonnes—roughly 1% of global LNG supply. However, they caution that a clearer sign of normalization would be when LNG carriers loaded in Qatar begin outbound voyages through the strait.
The vessel is operated by ADNOC Logistics and Services and has a cargo capacity of approximately 73,100 tonnes. It has previously delivered LNG cargoes to India.
In a related development, LNG tanker Mubaraz, carrying about 59,000 tonnes of LNG from Das Island, has successfully transited the strait and is currently navigating along India’s west coast en route to China. The vessel had temporarily switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) while passing through the strait, resuming transmission closer to Indian waters. Initially scheduled for delivery to India, Mubaraz was among 22 energy vessels identified for potential diversion amid the crisis.
Additionally, crude oil tanker Idemitsu Maru, transporting nearly 2 million barrels of crude, has also crossed the strait and is currently bound for Nagoya.
While these movements suggest easing constraints, the broader shipping industry remains watchful, as hundreds of cargo-laden vessels continue to await safe passage out of the Gulf.
