A second Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. This follows the passage of the first such vessel several days prior under an arrangement involving Iran and Pakistan, highlighting that cargo ships are navigating the waterway on a case-by-case basis amid ongoing conflict risks.
According to shipping data from the London Stock Exchange Group, the LNG carrier named "Mihzem," with a cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, departed from the port of Ras Laffan on Monday, transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, and is en route to Port Qasim in Pakistan, where it is expected to arrive later in the day.
This marks the second Qatari LNG carrier to successfully cross the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.
Last Saturday, the LNG carrier "Al Kharaitiyat" began transiting the Strait of Hormuz via the northern route approved by Iran and completed the passage successfully on Sunday. LSEG data indicates the vessel is currently anchored near Port Qasim.
On May 9, two informed sources revealed that this LNG shipment was sold by Qatar to Pakistan under an intergovernmental agreement—Pakistan being a mediator in the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. They stated that Iran had approved the shipment to help build trust with Qatar and Pakistan.
The sources added that two more Qatari LNG carriers loaded with cargo are scheduled to sail for Pakistan in the coming days.
A source familiar with the agreement disclosed on May 9 that, given Islamabad's urgent need to address its gas shortage, Pakistan has been in consultations with Iran to allow a limited number of LNG carriers to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The source further noted that Iran has agreed to assist, and the two sides are coordinating the safe passage of the first vessel carrying LNG supplied to Pakistan under its primary supply agreement with Qatar.
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