ISTANBUL

The first known liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker since the start of the Iran war is attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.

The Panama-flagged vessel Sohar LNG changed its destination to Oman’s Qalhat LNG export terminal and was moving eastward through the waterway.

The tanker appears to be sailing without cargo after circling the Persian Gulf for about a month, according to tracking data.

The movement comes as commercial shipping through the strait remains severely disrupted by the conflict. According to operational shipping advisories, regional port and transit conditions were being closely monitored on Thursday due to ongoing security risks in the Gulf.

Iran claimed to have hit several vessels that attempted to cross the strait without permission since the war began.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a large share of global oil and LNG flows, and any sign of resumed tanker movement is being watched closely by energy markets and shipowners.