Second Qatari LNG ship nears Strait of Hormuz on way to Pakistan

May 11, 2026 (MLN): A second Qatari LNG vessel is approaching the Strait of Hormuz after Pakistan secured arrangements with Iran for the movement of multiple fuel shipments through the strategic maritime corridor, according to Bloomberg.

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel carrying cargo from Qatar has already passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to Pakistan, marking the first shipment in a planned series aimed at supporting the country’s energy supply.

Sources familiar with the matter said the movement of the cargo followed several days of coordination between officials from Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar.

The tanker, Al Kharaitiyat, was loaded in Qatar earlier this month and travelled through the Gulf of Oman before heading towards Port Qasim, according to ship tracking data from Kpler.

Pakistani authorities had been in contact with Iranian officials and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to ensure safe passage for the vessel.

Iran had agreed to assist Pakistan in addressing gas shortages and helped coordinate the transit of the LNG carrier, which is part of Pakistan’s long-term supply agreement with Qatar.

The arrangement is expected to apply to a limited number of LNG cargoes, with additional shipments scheduled in the coming days.

Alongside Al Kharaitiyat, Pakistan is expecting three more LNG vessels from Qatar to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while another ship, Mihzem, is also approaching the waterway.

Pakistan has continued diplomatic engagement with Iran while also participating in broader mediation efforts aimed at easing regional tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas flows, has seen reduced maritime traffic amid rising regional tensions.

Reports also noted that a US naval blockade has restricted shipping activity to and from Iranian ports.

Tensions in the region remain elevated, with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reporting drone interceptions in their airspace.

Iranian state media earlier reported that Tehran had submitted its response to US proposals related to ending the conflict, stating that discussions at this stage should focus on bringing the war to an end, without providing further details.

Senior Iranian military officials have said their forces remain on high alert despite the ceasefire, warning that any renewed escalation or miscalculation would be met with a strong response.

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