A fully laden LNG tanker transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, marking the first such passage since the escalation of tensions involving Iran, according to shipping analytics firm Kpler. However, overall maritime traffic remains restricted, reflecting the waterway's near-closure following statements from US President Donald Trump.
Impact of US Stance on Strait Traffic
- The limited traffic underscores the current geopolitical tension surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
- This restriction follows US President Donald Trump signaling that he is unlikely to accept Iran’s most recent proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
Details on the LNG Tanker Passage
- Kpler reported that the LNG tanker, identified as Mubaraz, passed through the strait.
- The exact timing of this crossing is unclear, as the vessel may have deactivated its transponder before reappearing off the southern Indian coast.
- Kpler senior analyst Charles Costerousse noted that the crossing might have occurred over the weekend of April 18-19, when multiple vessels, including seven LNG tankers, attempted passage, though this remains unconfirmed.
- The tanker loaded its cargo at the UAE’s Das Island nearly two months ago and is reportedly destined for an Asian country, though the precise endpoint is unknown.
Current Maritime Activity
As of the morning's data from MarineTraffic, only six vessels were attempting passage through the waterway:
- A container ship traveling from the UAE to the Indian port of Nhava Sheva.
- Two oil tankers: one originating from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port and another from the UAE’s Hamriya Free Zone.
- One cargo ship flying the Iranian flag.
It was noted that none of these recorded vessels had fully navigated through the strait yet. Furthermore, the possibility exists that vessels are ceasing to broadcast their AIS data, potentially allowing them to pass through the strait undetected by standard marine trackers.
