Third Qatari LNG Tanker Heads to China Amid Iran-Qatar Negotiations
A third Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker is set to transit the Strait of Hormuz, heading towards China. This comes as a Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran to discuss potential deals aimed at ending hostilities with Iran.
The vessel, Al Sahla, boasts a capacity of 211,842 cubic metres and left Ras Laffan on June 14, according to LSEG shipping data. The previous two LNG tankers were sold by Qatar to Pakistan under an arrangement approved by Iran.
Qatar’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining economic ties with China amid ongoing tensions with Iran. The country is the world’s second-largest exporter of LNG, with shipments primarily directed towards Asian markets. Iranian attacks have damaged 17% of Qatar’s export capacity, potentially requiring repairs for up to five years.