Marine Tracking Data Shows First Qatari Gas Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz

Ship tracking and international maritime data showed Sunday, May 10, the transit of the first Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the U.S. Israeli war on Iran on February 28.

Qatari Gas Tanker Al Kharaityat: Details and Route

The Al Kharaityat is a liquefied natural gas carrier with IMO number 9397327. Built in 2009, it sails under the Marshall Islands flag. It has a capacity of 211,986 cubic meters of liquefied gas. Its current draft of 12.4 meters indicates it is fully loaded.

Maritime tracking data show the vessel departed Ras Laffan Port in Qatar on May 1 bound for Qasim Port in Pakistan. It is currently in the Gulf of Oman.

The vessel is owned by Qatar’s Nakilat and operated by QatarEnergy, according to shipping data.

Qatari Gas Tanker Al Kharaityat Heads to Pakistan

During security and operational coordination accompanying the During security and operational coordination accompanying the transit, Pakistan played a notable role in securing maritime routes in the region. Reports said the Pakistani navy provided logistical and coordination support that helped facilitate the tanker’s passage.

Reuters, citing informed sources, reported that Qatar supplies liquefied natural gas to Pakistan, which also serves as a mediator in negotiations between Iran and the United States, under an agreement between the Qatari and Pakistani governments. The sources added that Iran agreed to allow the shipment to pass as part of efforts to strengthen trust between Qatar and Pakistan.

The development comes as Pakistan seeks to allow a limited number of liquefied natural gas tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz to address domestic gas shortages. The passage is seen as reflecting implicit understandings linked to the vessel’s transit.

It marks the first transit of a Qatari gas tanker after several previous attempts to send shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, during which vessels were forced to turn back and were unable to proceed.

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