Qatar-Controlled LNG Tanker Exits Hormuz for First Time in Nearly Three Weeks

The QatarEnergy-controlled LNG carrier Al Areesh exited the Strait of Hormuz overnight, the first such vessel seen leaving the waterway since July 11, according to ship-tracking data. The tanker loaded at Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal and is sailing to Port Qasim, Pakistan. The transit comes as overall ship movements through Hormuz rose Wednesday, while traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb slowed. About one-fifth of global LNG trade normally passes through Hormuz, making the renewed movement a notable but limited sign of activity amid the Iran conflict.