October saw the highest monthly LNG tanker departures from the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict, indicating a recovery in shipments.
The number of loaded LNG tankers departing from the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest monthly level in October since the US-Iran conflict disrupted maritime transportation. This development indicates a recovery in natural gas shipments from the Gulf.
There has been a significant increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical transit points for global energy transportation. Following the conflicts between the US and Iran, maritime traffic was severely disrupted, and in October, the highest monthly departure of loaded LNG tankers since the war began was recorded.
According to a Reuters report dated November 10, 2026, the rise in the number of loaded LNG tankers leaving the strait shows that natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf to international markets are regaining momentum.
However, the recovery in tanker traffic does not mean that the maritime security risks in the region have been completely eliminated.
The Strait of Hormuz holds strategic importance for natural gas producers in the Persian Gulf, particularly Qatar, in reaching Asian and European markets.
Disruptions in ship passages due to military tensions in the region had led to delays in LNG transportation, changes in sailing schedules, and uncertainties in freight costs.
The increase in loaded tanker departures in October indicates that energy companies and ship operators are gradually resuming their transportation activities in the region.
However, it is still unclear whether this increase signifies a return to the normal traffic levels seen before the conflict.
According to previously published data by Reuters, it was estimated that there were 21 LNG cargo departures from the Strait of Hormuz in September. This number was significantly lower than the periods before the conflict, when approximately three LNG shipments were made daily.
The Reuters report dated November 10 states that the loaded LNG tanker departures in October surpassed those in September. However, the accessible news summary does not specify the exact number of ships for October.
While commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz shows signs of recovery, the security threats faced by tankers continue.
In a report based on maritime security sources in October, Reuters noted that at least 12 attacks targeting oil, LNG, and LPG tankers were recorded between September 28 and October 5. This figure was reported as the highest weekly attack count since the onset of the conflicts.
The security conditions in the region remain significant for LNG carriers in terms of voyage planning, war risk insurances, and operating costs.
A significant portion of LNG exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates is conducted through the Strait of Hormuz.
In the International Energy Agency's November assessment, it is projected that global LNG supply could decrease by approximately 3% in 2026 due to the Iran war. This situation makes supply security particularly crucial for the European and Asian markets entering the winter months.
While the increase in tanker traffic in October is a positive development, secure passage conditions must be ensured for shipments to return to normal permanently.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
