By our correspondent
DOHA/ISLAMABAD: A second Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker has transited the Strait of Hormuz days after the first such cargo crossed under an arrangement reportedly involving Iran and Pakistan, underscoring how energy shipments are now moving through the strategic waterway on a case-by-case basis amid ongoing conflict risks.
The vessel Mihzem, with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, departed Ras Laffan and is heading towards Port Qasim in Pakistan, where it is expected to arrive on May 12, according to LSEG shipping data.
It marks the second successful passage of a Qatari LNG tanker through Hormuz since the outbreak of war in the region. On Saturday, another LNG carrier, Al Kharaitiyat, began crossing the strait via what has been described as an Iranian-approved northern route and completed its transit on Sunday.
According to sources familiar with the arrangement, the LNG shipments are part of a government-to-government deal between Qatar and Pakistan, with Iran reportedly granting approval to facilitate passage as a confidence-building measure with both countries. Two additional Qatari LNG tankers are expected to head towards Pakistan in the coming days, according to the same sources.
Pakistan has reportedly been in discussions with Iran to allow a limited number of LNG vessels through the strait, as the country faces acute pressure to manage its natural gas shortfall. Iran has agreed to assist in facilitating the first shipment under coordination arrangements linked to Pakistan’s long-term LNG supply agreement with Qatar, its principal supplier.
