First LNG Carrier Passes Through Bab-el-Mandeb After The Recent Gaza Ceasefire

For the first time in five months, an LNG carrier has passed via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The Omani-owned Salalah LNG, a 148,173-cmb vessel made the passage on February 8, after a temporary halt in Houthi attacks on non-Israeli ships.

The ship, departed from Oman’s Qalhat LNG Terminal on February 5, according to AIS tracking data. However, its final destination is not disclosed.

After a recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, Yemeni Houthis have declared a suspension of attacks on non-Israeli vessels.

The group has also released the 25 crew members of the hijacked car carrier Galaxy leader, who had been held captive for over a year.

LNG producers have avoided the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and the Suez Canal throughout 2024, with nearly all traffic detouring via the longer and more expensive route around Africa’s southern tip due to security concerns.

The Houthis have attacked over 100 ships since November 2023, killing four and sinking two vessels. As a result, LNG…

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