UAE’s ADNOC Sends Another LNG Carrier To India Through Hormuz In ‘Dark Mode’

Another liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) has passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

The LNG carrier Umm Al Ashtan, managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services, reappeared northwest of Muscat, Oman, carrying cargo and listing India as its destination, according to ship-tracking data cited by Bloomberg.

The vessel had stopped transmitting its AIS tracking signal around May 2 while empty and waiting near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Satellite images cited by Bloomberg showed the ship likely loaded LNG at ADNOC’s Das Island export terminal inside the Persian Gulf during the period it was not broadcasting its position.

The images also showed LNG carriers docking at Das Island even though no vessels near the terminal were publicly transmitting their locations.

The strait has remained largely closed to LNG traffic since fighting began in late February, affecting a major global LNG trade route.

Bloomberg earlier reported that ADNOC had been using some of its own vessels to move cargoes through Hormuz in so-called “dark mode”, where ships temporarily switch off AIS tracking signals while passing through sensitive waters.

ADNOC has exported three other cargoes from the Persian Gulf using vessels that stopped transmitting signals while crossing the strait, Bloomberg reported. One of those vessels is currently docking in western India.

Other tankers have also recently crossed Hormuz. Earlier this week, two LNG carriers were sailing toward Pakistan and China, while at least one very large crude carrier exited the Persian Gulf and is now heading to China.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes for crude oil and LNG exports.

Despite the recent increase in traffic, LNG shipments through Hormuz remain well below normal levels.

Before the conflict, around three LNG carriers crossed the strait daily, most carrying cargoes from Qatar.

The disruption has affected ADNOC’s export operations and prompted the company to accelerate plans to expand pipeline capacity bypassing Hormuz.

Earlier this month, ADNOC announced plans to build a new pipeline to Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz, to increase export capacity.

ADNOC has also warned that the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies could continue into 2027.

ADNOC Logistics & Services said it does not comment on the routing or movements of its vessels as a matter of policy.

References: Oil Price, thehindubusinessline