At least three laden Q-Flex LNG carriers controlled by Qatari interests appear to be holding off taking planned transits through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, where Houthi militants have launched more than 26 attacks on shipping.
On Monday, Kpler data showed the 210,100-cbm Al Ghariya, 217,000-cbm Al Huwaila and 210,200-cbm Al Nuaman (all built 2008) lying close to each other off the coast of Oman.
Another Qatar vessel, the 216,200-cbm Al Rekayyat (built 2009), which is in ballast, was reported by TradeWinds on Friday as heading southbound through the Red Sea on a return voyage to Ras Laffan but now appears to be in a holding position.
The Qatari-chartered 216,200-cbm Al Sahla (built 2008) is shown as “stopped” off Port Said on the Egyptian coast near the entrance to the Suez Canal.
Reuters quoted sources as saying the vessels had paused for security advice.
TradeWinds has contacted QatarEnergy about the vessels and the reports surrounding them.
Dynagas’ 155,165-cbm Lena River (built 2013), which is on term charter to Yamal Trade, which controls the ships moving Russia’s Yamal LNG volumes, is also shown as stopped off the Suez Canal entrance in a laden condition.
In contrast, the Greek owner’s 161,870-cbm Clean Horizon (built 2015), which is on term charter to Yamal Trade, moved through the Red Sea northbound over the weekend.
Late last week, the US and UK navies, working under the Combined Maritime Forces, advised merchant shipping to avoid the southern Red Sea after they launched airstrikes against Houthi targets.
Tonne-mile demand
On Saturday, a Vitol relet, the 174,000-cbm LNG carrier Flex Volunteer (built 2021), turned away from its planned passage into the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea and is now heading south towards the Cape of Good Hope.
Spot LNG carrier charter rates have been sliding this year because of low requirements and high gas storage levels.
But brokers said the avoidance of the Red Sea and cold temperatures gripping the US and Europe could stop the rate falls.
Affinity LNG said on Friday that with fresh sets of owners aiming to avoid transiting the region, this could have a “significant impact” on tonne-mile demand.
