New Delhi, April 28: For the first time since tensions escalated in West Asia on February 28, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This information was revealed in reports released on Tuesday, citing ship tracking data.
According to the ship tracking data, the tanker Mubarak, which loaded LNG from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s Das Island plant, passed through the southern tip of India in early March.
The report indicated that due to the ongoing tensions, the LNG tanker remained in the Persian Gulf for several weeks, with transmission signals reportedly ceasing around March 31. The signals resumed as the vessel approached India.
Since the outbreak of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a halt. This narrow passage is crucial, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and gas exports.
Amid the rising tensions, Iran has completely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has also imposed restrictions on Iranian vessels navigating through this critical route.
The ship tracking data further revealed that the LNG tanker Mubarak is destined for China, with an estimated arrival date of May 15.
In recent weeks, several vessels carrying LNG from Qatar approached the Strait of Hormuz but were forced to turn back due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Negotiations aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and the U.S. are currently underway. Iran has proposed a new peace initiative to the U.S., promising to open the Strait of Hormuz. However, due to disagreements over nuclear discussions, the U.S. has temporarily rejected this proposal.
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