Pakistan-negotiated LNG shipment attacked near Strait of Hormuz

The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, Al Mayeda, was approaching the waterway loaded with liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar when it came under fire.

Iranian authorities had reportedly given clearance for the vessel's passage just hours before the attack.

Following the incident, the carrier turned around and headed back into the Persian Gulf, according to ship-tracking data.

Qatar Gas Transport Company Limited, known as Nakilat, said on Sunday that the carrier remained operational and was undergoing an assessment.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry said authorities were investigating the incident and those responsible. The ministry maintained that Qatar reserved its right to take necessary measures under international law and the United Nations Charter to protect its assets, vessels and crews.

It remained unclear why the tanker had come under fire or whether it would make another attempt to reach its destination.

Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel had been targeted in a projectile attack. He confirmed that all 25 crew members, including six Indian nationals, were safe, but did not provide further details.

Pakistan has been communicating with Iranian authorities over the safety of Qatari LNG shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Several other shipments received clearance over the past month and successfully crossed into the Gulf of Oman.

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The latest incident highlights the continuing risks faced by vessels navigating the waterway and presents another challenge for Pakistan, which has been dealing with an energy shortfall for months because of disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

If the shipment cannot be delivered, Pakistan may have to purchase replacement LNG from the international spot market, where prices are more than three times their pre-war levels.

Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry, QatarEnergy and Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on the matter.

LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remained steady in October at approximately 30% of their pre-war levels.

Qatar has been sending LNG through the waterway consistently since September, including on older vessels that can help reduce the additional insurance costs associated with the risky journeys.