Two LNG transport ships narrowly avoided passing through the strait, previously reported as heading to China, but were halted by Iran after changing their destinations!
Multiple media outlets revealed that early Monday morning, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard intercepted two Qatari liquefied natural gas vessels. These two ships had previously been granted transit permission and were en route to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran demanded they remain in place without providing any justification.
The two LNG carriers are named "Al Daayen" and "Rasheeda." Both loaded liquefied natural gas at Ras Laffan Port in Qatar at the end of February. Early Monday morning, the vessels sailed toward the eastern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard intercepted them and ordered a halt to their progress. Ultimately, both ships altered course and failed to pass through the strait. This would mark the first attempt since the outbreak of conflict on February 28 to transport liquefied natural gas via this strait.
Shipping tracking data showed that the "Al Daayen" initially displayed China as its destination before switching to returning to Ras Laffan Port. The "Rasheeda" was originally headed for Karachi Port in Pakistan but later changed to a "waiting for instructions" status. Both vessels are under the control of Qatar Energy. Previously, a Japanese LNG carrier, "Sohar LNG," successfully passed through the strait—but it was sailing empty.
Iran has not disclosed the reason for the interception. The two vessels had previously received transit authorization under an agreement mediated by Pakistan. Iran enforces a "control system": past vessels must submit documentation and receive a transit code. Iran has passed legislation imposing fees on ships passing through the strait, with charges reaching up to $2 million per vessel.
Dao Ge believes many ships now seem to falsely list China as their destination in an attempt to deceive authorities and slip through unnoticed.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861778494870540/
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