The LNG ship 'Al-Maida' flying the Marshall Islands flag was targeted on November 8, 1402 (October 30, 2023) near the Strait of Hormuz. This ship was carrying liquefied gas from Qatar and despite prior negotiations by Pakistan with the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure safe passage, it was struck.
Details of the Incident and Its Consequences
According to informed sources, Iranian officials had given the green light for the ship's passage just a few hours before the incident occurred. Qatar's official news agency also reported that the 'Al-Maida' was targeted by unidentified objects. Qatar Gas Transport Company, the owner of the ship, confirmed that the crew was unharmed and that the incident had no environmental impact. The company described the ship as 'safe and operational' and stated that it was assessing the extent of the damage.
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Impact on Pakistan-Iran Relations
The British Maritime Organization reported on the same day at 18:00 GMT that an unidentified projectile had struck another ship 40 miles south of Lavan Island, causing a fire on board. This is not the first time Pakistan has negotiated direct passage through the strait. In the months of Ordibehesht, Mordad, and Shahrivar, Pakistan had reached agreements with the Islamic Republic for gas shipments from Qatar.
Last year, Pakistan received nearly all of its liquefied gas from Qatar. However, after the Ras Laffan terminal was damaged in attacks by the Islamic Republic, Qatar declared force majeure, and the Qatari Energy Minister stated that the Ras Laffan terminal was only exporting a very small amount through the strait. As a result, Pakistan has had to purchase cash shipments at high prices.
Ali Parviz Malik, Pakistan's Minister of Petroleum, stated in the parliament on November 4 that the supply of gas from Qatar has been halted due to the war between the United States and the Islamic Republic. These remarks reflect serious challenges in energy supply for Pakistan, which is heavily reliant on liquefied gas imports.
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