First LNG Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions

In a notable maritime development, the first LNG tanker has crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of the Iran conflict. Despite the ongoing tensions and blockades imposed by the IRGC and US Navy, the tanker successfully navigated through the strait. Currently en route to a terminal in China, this movement highlights the complexities of energy transport in a geopolitically sensitive region. As analysts monitor the situation, the implications of this crossing could have significant ramifications for international energy markets and regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 10:39 IST

Significant Maritime Movement

Tehran: The first liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker has reportedly navigated through the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of the Iran conflict, as indicated by ship-tracking data from various sources. The tanker was spotted near India's coastline on Monday, although there has been no official verification of this information yet. This vessel is operated by ADNOC Logistics & Services from the United Arab Emirates.

The tanker, with a capacity of 136,357 cubic meters, was last tracked in the Gulf on March 30 and reappeared off India's west coast on April 27, suggesting it successfully traversed the strategically important strait. Reports indicate that it managed to do so despite the presence of blockades enforced by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the US Navy.

According to data from ICIS LNG Edge, Marine Traffic, and LSEG, the tanker crossed the strait without transmitting its signal. This tactic has become increasingly common among vessels navigating this area, as they often cease broadcasting their location or may even transmit false identities to evade detection by Iranian or US forces.

The LNG tanker, named Mubaraz, is believed to have loaded its cargo at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's Das Island facility in the UAE. Current reports suggest that its destination is a terminal in China, with an expected arrival date of May 15. Alex Froley, a senior LNG analyst at ICIS, noted that while there are occasional inaccuracies in signal data, the reported position does not exhibit clear signs of manipulation.

The IRGC has maintained a de facto blockade in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, particularly following US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response to the unsuccessful initial peace talks between Iran and the US, Washington has also implemented a naval blockade affecting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.