Two Adnoc-linked LNG tankers head toward Hormuz as tracking gaps cloud other vessel movements

Two more ballast Adnoc-linked LNG tankers, Umm Al Ashtan and Marigold, are heading toward the Strait of Hormuz from the Arabian Sea off Oman's northeastern coast, pointing to potential additional transits through the chokepoint, although tracking gaps may occur near Fujairah and Khor Fakkan anchorage, obscuring confirmation of any transit.

According to Kpler data, Umm Al Ashtan left its waiting position offshore Sri Lanka around Apr. 12, while Marigold followed on Apr. 18, both heading in the direction of the strait. Marigold slowed to near-stationary from Apr. 23 before accelerating to 14.5 knots yesterday, according to Kpler data, while Umm Al Ashtan increased its speed to 15 knots on Apr. 27 from 12 knots a day earlier, suggesting both vessels may be preparing to transit.

The possible transits into the Mideast Gulf come as two other Adnoc-linked vessels, Mraweh and Al Hamra sailing in ballast, are thought to have transited the strait, after going without AIS signal since 11 days ago. Kpler data analysts inferred the transit from their last known positions at and near Khor Fakkan anchorage, the closest point in the Gulf of Oman to the strait entrance, although this could not be verified by satellite data. Kpler understands Adnoc may have  instructed the crews of both vessels to switch off their transponders. Adnoc has not responded to a request for confirmation.

Save a few recent transits, LNG tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz have been virtually halted since late February amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, effectively blocking outbound flows from Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which together accounted for roughly 20% of global LNG supply in 2025. The Oman-linked Sohar LNG became the first vessel to cross the strait since the conflict erupted, transiting in ballast on Apr. 2, followed by the laden Adnoc-operated Mubaraz.

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Mubaraz, identified on Apr. 27 as the first laden LNG tanker to cross the strait from the MidEast Gulf since the conflict erupted, had gone dark for around 30 days before re-emerging off southern India, making confirmation of when it transited difficult. It has now been detected near Sri Lanka, with Kpler's data team confirming the vessel's position reports appear valid, corroborated by satellite and signals received via terrestrial antennae in Sri Lanka. Mubaraz is signalling an arrival at the PipeChina-operated LNG receiving terminal in Tianjin on May 15, according to Kpler data.

Satellite imagery coverage remains limited, with no recent images available for key LNG loading areas at Abu Dhabi’s 5.8 mtpa Das Island and Qatar’s 77 mtpa Ras Laffan plants, as well as the Khor Fakkan anchorage,limiting visibility on vessel movements.

Separately, the Qatari LNG carrierAl Kharaitiyat resumed AIS transmission after a one-day gap and is heading back toward Ras Laffan in ballast, with an expected arrival on May 1, after delivering its second cargo to Kuwait's Al Zour terminal on Apr. 28. The Gaslog Skagen, which has been delivering cargoes from Ras Laffan to Kuwait's Al Zour terminal since Mar. 23, has not transmitted an AIS signal for six days.

With Al Kharaitiyat scheduled to call at Ras Laffan to load on May 1, Kpler data analysts suggest a possibility that Gaslog Skagen may have loaded at Ras Laffan during a period when satellite imagery was unavailable. However, they consider it unlikely to be a candidate for an outbound Hormuz transit, with the vessel expected to continue its Ras Laffan-Kuwait shuttle.

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