Qatar has resorted to using its oldest tankers and new methods to overcome the challenges posed by sanctions and restrictions. This move seemed essential, especially after an incident that caused damage to one of the country's tankers outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Consequences of the Incident and Halt in Exports
Until late summer, Qatar's liquefied natural gas exports were severely affected by this incident, and the country's limited shipments were nearly halted. This situation stemmed from pressure both from energy customers and from internal economic factors that rely on regular deliveries. In this context, senior managers at QatarEnergy found a new solution in the tanker "Al-Rayan," one of the oldest tankers in the country's fleet at 29 years old.
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Using Tanker Al-Rayan and Passing Through the Strait
The captain of the tanker Al-Rayan, which had been stationary in the waters of the Persian Gulf in the days prior, received permission to move with security guarantees from the U.S. Navy. However, it was decided that this tanker would operate silently and without identification systems and navigation lights. This method proved effective, and the tanker Al-Rayan was able to pass through the strait without attracting attention.
The tanker Al-Rayan headed towards the port of Sohar in Oman on September 10, and a few days later, the shipment that had arrived at this port was sent to China by a refurbished tanker named "Al-Masahbiya." Al-Rayan returned towards the Strait of Hormuz for its next trip, thus establishing Qatar's export route to China through this old tanker.
Consequences of the Return of Qatar's Exports
Last year, Qatar supplied nearly one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas and was the second-largest exporter in the world after the United States before the recent crises. The sustainable return of Qatar's exports could ease market pressure, especially on the eve of winter and under conditions where prices are at their highest levels in recent years.
Toby Capson, managing partner at the China-based Davenport Energy, stated that Qatar is forced to adapt in the short term, as the entire model of the country is based on moving large volumes of gas through the strait. He added that if Qatar can establish a more regular export route, one of the biggest constraints on the global liquefied natural gas market will be reduced.
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