Qatari LNG Tankers Move Toward Strait of Hormuz Exit

Two liquefied natural gas carriers, the Al Daayen and Rasheeda, are navigating toward the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential first departure of Qatari LNG exports from the region since the onset of the Iran war. The vessels completed loading in late February and have since been stationary in the Gulf. While the Al Daayen has indicated a destination in China—Qatar's primary LNG market—the final routing for both ships remains uncertain and subject to change. This movement signals a possible resumption of energy shipments through the strategically vital waterway, which has been largely dormant for regional exports amid heightened geopolitical tensions.