More LNG, Japan-linked vessels transit Hormuz despite renewed Mideast tensions

• Five ballast LNG tankers, including vessels controlled by GasLog and QatarEnergy, have entered the Strait of Hormuz after traffic had been reduced due to conflict
• Japan-linked vessels in the Gulf dropped sharply from 45 ships with 1,100 crew at the conflict's start to just 4 vessels with 100 crew remaining
• 22 Japan-linked vessels successfully transited out of the strait between July 7-9, though Japanese officials declined to comment on safety measures citing security concerns

Summary: LNG and Japan-Linked Vessels Resume Transit Through Strait of Hormuz

Key Developments:

LNG tankers and Japan-linked vessels have resumed transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite recent Middle East tensions, according to ship-tracking data and Japanese officials.

Vessel Movement:

• At least five ballast LNG tankers entered the strait in recent days, per Kpler and LSEG data
• Named vessels include GasLog Shanghai (Greek-controlled) and four QatarEnergy-linked carriers: Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Al Gattara, and Al Rayyan
• 22 Japan-linked vessels, including six large crude oil tankers, exited the Gulf via the strait between July 7-9

Japanese Vessel Reduction:

Japan's presence in the Gulf has decreased dramatically:

• From 45 vessels with ~1,100 crew members at conflict start
• To just 4 vessels with ~100 crew members currently
• Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko confirmed the exodus but declined to detail security measures

Market Context:

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG shipments. Traffic through the waterway had declined following recent attacks on commercial vessels and U.S. retaliatory strikes on Iran earlier this week, prompting close monitoring by shipping companies and governments worldwide.

Companies Mentioned:

• GasLog (Greek shipping company)
• QatarEnergy
• Japanese Shipowners' Association

The resumption of transit activity suggests some normalization despite ongoing regional tensions, though the 91% reduction in Japanese vessels indicates continued caution among operators navigating this strategic waterway.