Five liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers loaded at Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal are heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, marking a potential resumption of shipments through the key waterway following its reopening on April 17, according to ship-tracking data, Reuters reported.

If the vessels successfully transit the strait, it would be the first LNG passage since the outbreak of the US – Israel conflict with Iran on February 28, which had disrupted flows through the route that previously handled around 20% of global LNG trade, according to Reuters.

Data from analytics firm Kpler showed the vessels, Al Ghashamiya, Lebrethah, Fuwairit, Rasheeda, and Disha, are advancing eastward toward the strait. Four of the ships are operated by QatarEnergy, while the fifth is chartered by India’s Petronet LNG. Initial indications suggest cargoes are destined for Pakistan and India, with one shipment yet to be confirmed.

The developments follow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after a US -brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, alongside reports of renewed tanker movements in the area, signaling a gradual easing of regional maritime tensions.

Kpler also noted additional activity involving ADNOC-operated vessels entering the Gulf of Oman and anchoring near Fujairah, consistent with operational signals indicating a partial restart of LNG production units at Qatar’s Ras Laffan and the UAE’s Das Island facilities.

Qatar remains a key global LNG supplier, primarily serving Asian markets. However, recent disruptions are estimated to have impacted around 17% of its export capacity, with long-term maintenance work expected to keep part of production offline for several years.