The LNG carrier Mubaraz, owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first confirmed passage of a fully loaded liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel since the Middle East conflict effectively closed the route in early March. The tanker, carrying approximately 132,890 cubic meters of LNG, reappeared on ship-tracking data near India's west coast on April 27, 2026, after weeks without signal transmission. This development, analyzed by AFP from Kpler data, suggests a potential shift in maritime security within the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial choke point for global energy trade, experienced heightened tensions and disruptions following an escalation of hostilities in late February. While not a full physical closure, increased security risks and threats of interdiction effectively deterred many commercial vessels, particularly LNG tankers, from using the strait. Prior to the conflict, roughly 20% of the world's LNG trade, averaging three laden tankers daily in 2025, passed through this corridor.
The Mubaraz had loaded its cargo at ADNOC’s Das Island facility in the United Arab Emirates around March 2. The vessel then ceased transmitting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal around March 30-31, a common tactic for ships navigating high-risk waters to avoid detection. Its reappearance near India strongly indicates it completed the high-risk passage during this period of signal silence.
This successful transit is significant for global energy markets, which have seen a surge in costs, particularly in Asia and Europe, due to the disruption. The Mubaraz is now signaling a terminal in China as its destination, with an estimated arrival around May 15. ADNOC has not commented on the position, movements, or routing of its vessels.
The passage of the Mubaraz follows unsuccessful attempts by several Qatari LNG tankers to cross the strait in April, which ultimately turned back amid persistent US-Iran tensions. An empty Omani LNG tanker had managed to complete the passage earlier in the month. While analysts, such as Charles Costerousse of Kpler, acknowledge the significance, they caution that one successful crossing does not necessarily guarantee a lasting reopening of the route for all vessels.
