More liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have resumed sailing through the Strait of Hormuz despite renewed military tensions in the Gulf, while Japan said most of its commercial vessels have safely exited the region following attacks on shipping earlier this week.
The increase in vessel movements suggests shipping companies are cautiously returning to one of the world’s most important energy corridors even as security risks remain elevated after Iranian attacks on commercial ships and U.S. retaliatory strikes.
LNG traffic begins to recover
Ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG showed at least five ballast (empty) LNG tankers have entered the Strait of Hormuz in recent days to load cargoes in the Gulf.
The vessels include:
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- GasLog Shanghai, operated by Greek shipping company GasLog.
- QatarEnergy-linked carriers Al Samriya.
- Al Dafna.
- Al Gattara.
- Al Rayyan.
Tracking data indicated that GasLog Shanghai and Al Rayyan likely transited the strait overnight after being observed outside the waterway on July 9.
The remaining QatarEnergy-linked vessels had previously been positioned off India’s west coast for several weeks before returning toward the Gulf.
Neither QatarEnergy nor GasLog immediately commented on the latest voyages.
Strait of Hormuz remains under close watch
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and LNG exports.
Traffic through the waterway slowed sharply after Iran targeted commercial vessels earlier this week and the United States responded with military strikes against Iranian targets.
Shipping companies and governments have since been closely monitoring conditions as fears persist that further attacks could disrupt global energy supplies.
Japan says most of its vessels have exited the Gulf
Japan’s transport minister Yasushi Kaneko said 22 Japan-linked vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz between July 7 and July 9.
The ships included six very large crude carriers (VLCCs).
Following those departures, only four Japan-linked vessels remain inside the Gulf.
Officials declined to explain what additional security measures were used during the transits, citing operational and safety concerns.
Crew numbers sharply reduced
According to the Japanese Shipowners’ Association, the number of Japan-linked vessels operating inside the Gulf has fallen significantly since the conflict intensified.
At the beginning of the crisis:
- Around 45 Japan-linked vessels were operating in the Gulf.
- Approximately 1,100 crew members were on board.
As of Friday:
- Only four vessels remain.
- Around 100 crew members are still in the region.
The reduction reflects efforts by Japanese shipping companies to minimize risks while maintaining essential energy transportation.
Future outlook
The return of additional LNG carriers suggests confidence among some shipping operators is gradually improving despite continued military tensions between Iran and the United States.
However, the Strait of Hormuz remains vulnerable to further disruption, and any renewed attacks on commercial shipping could once again slow vessel traffic, raise insurance costs and put upward pressure on global oil and gas prices.
With information from Reuters.
