Discover the Al-Ruwais: Ratings & Maritime News

In light of escalating security threats, three LNG carriers—the 'Al Ghariya', 'Duhail', and 'Al Ruwais'—reversed course while en route to the Strait of Hormuz. This decision came on July 8, 2026, following missile attacks targeting commercial vessels by Iran, which spurred significant concerns among maritime authorities. As a result, the threat level for ships navigating the Strait was elevated to 'severe,' prompting operators to reconsider their travel routes. All three LNG carriers were sailing empty, bound for Qatar’s Ras Laffan export terminal to pick up liquefied natural gas (LNG). Additionally, the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) 'Lila Vadinar', which was carrying approximately two million barrels of Kuwaiti crude oil, also altered its path, executing a U-turn off the coast of Oman on July 9, prior to its planned entry into the strategic waterway. Since the onset of conflict in late February, Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal has seen the departure of at least 16 LNG shipments, while another 10 cargoes have successfully left ADNOC’s Das Island terminal in the United Arab Emirates. The ongoing tensions in the region continue to pose significant challenges for maritime operations.