In July 2026, an LNG tanker exited the Strait of Hormuz with to avoid detection.
Earlier in July, Iranian forces attacked a Qatari LNG carrier, making energy shippers reluctant to take risks in the waterway.
The attack led Qatar to declare on its Ras Laffan LNG hub. stepped in to boost its own exports.
The tanker's dark transit shows is willing to accept operational risk to keep LNG flowing while competitors pause.
placed a $900-million order for four new LNG carriers to expand its fleet.
The company also has eight LNG carriers, worth $2.5 billion total, under construction at and . Those vessels are scheduled for delivery from 2028 on 20-year time charters to ADNOC Gas.
LNG buyers argue the Persian Gulf has become riskier since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February 2026, and want the UAE and Qatar to lower prices to reflect higher insurance costs.