LNG Tankers Return to Hormuz Despite Regional Volatility

At least five empty LNG tankers have resumed transit through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a cautious normalization of energy shipping routes. This movement follows a period of sharp decline triggered by Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and subsequent U.S. military strikes, testing the resilience of the global supply chain.

Editorial·July 10, 2026·reads: 574

LNG Tankers Return to Hormuz Despite Regional Volatility

Ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG confirms that the GasLog Shanghai and four QatarEnergy-linked carriers—Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Al Gattara, and Al Rayyan—have re-entered the waterway to load cargoes. These vessels had previously been idling off the west coast of India, awaiting a window of stability to return to the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the Japanese shipping sector has significantly reduced its regional footprint to mitigate risk. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko noted that 22 Japan-linked vessels successfully cleared the strait between July 7 and July 9. The Japanese Shipowners’ Association reports that the number of Japan-linked ships operating in the Gulf has plummeted from 45 vessels with 1,100 crew members to just four ships and roughly 100 personnel. While the resumption of LNG traffic suggests a tentative confidence among operators, the corridor remains highly sensitive to any further escalation between Iran and the United States, which could rapidly drive up insurance costs and disrupt global energy exports.