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ADNOC Continues LNG Loading Amid Intensified Hormuz Strait Risks

Created at 4 Sep · 7:51 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Despite heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, ADNOC is continuing to load liquefied natural gas at its Das Island terminal. Tankers are employing 'dark mode' to avoid detection, and the UAE is utilizing ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate exports.

Key Numbers

September 2date of satellite imaging data

Who's Involved

ADNOC
Emirati energy company loading LNG amid Hormuz risks
United States
involved in strikes with Iran
Iran
involved in strikes with the United States
ADNOC Continues LNG Loading Amid Intensified Hormuz Strait Risks

↳ Why This Matters

The continued loading of LNG by ADNOC, coupled with tactics like 'dark mode' and ship-to-ship transfers, highlights the significant risks and operational challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.

Key facts

  • ADNOC continues to load liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Das Island export terminal in the Persian Gulf.
  • Tankers have been observed using 'dark mode' by switching off transponders to avoid detection.
  • The UAE is employing ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz to secure LNG exports.
  • ADNOC is expanding a pipeline to Fujairah to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to double capacity by next year.

Despite escalating tensions and strikes between the United States and Iran, the Emirati energy company ADNOC is continuing to load liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Das Island export terminal in the Persian Gulf. Satellite imagery indicated one tanker docked at the terminal on September 2, with another nearby, both reportedly operating in 'dark mode' with their transponders switched off to evade detection.

ADNOC has been significantly impacted by potential disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, prompting accelerated plans to increase the capacity of a pipeline that bypasses the chokepoint. To ensure LNG exports, the UAE has resorted to unusual ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz. In the past month, three LNG carriers loaded from Qatar and the UAE reportedly transferred their cargoes to other vessels in these offshore operations.

On the oil front, ADNOC is constructing a new pipeline to Fujairah and aims to double the capacity of an existing export conduit to the port city located outside the Strait of Hormuz by next year. The company has also warned that the impact of the ongoing conflict on energy supply could extend to 2027. However, despite these efforts, overall LNG flows out of the Persian Gulf appear to be severely restricted.

Frequently asked questions

'Dark mode' refers to tankers switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to avoid detection while navigating potentially risky waters.

Ship-to-ship transfers are an unusual but necessary measure for LNG carriers to move cargoes outside the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring their export despite the chokepoint's risks.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's oil and LNG supply passes, making it strategically critical.

What Happens Next

01ADNOC aims to double the capacity of its export pipeline to Fujairah by next year.
02The impact of the war on energy supply could potentially stretch into 2027.
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How It Developed

ADNOC is loading liquefied natural gas at its Das Island export terminal.
Two tankers were observed at the terminal, both operating in 'dark mode' with transponders off.
ADNOC is using ship-to-ship transfers outside the Strait of Hormuz to export LNG.
ADNOC is accelerating plans to boost capacity of a pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent reports indicate LNG carriers from Qatar and UAE transferred cargoes outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources

T1
ADNOC Keeps Loading LNG as Hormuz Risks IntensifyOilPrice.com

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