Jerusalem — Qatar, a major exporter of liquified natural gas, issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the impact of ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on shipping. The attacks are a consequence of Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
An explosion near a ship passing through a strategic strait close to Yemen was also reported on Wednesday. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported, according to the British military. While no group claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicions immediately fell on the Houthis.
Previously, shipments of liquified natural gas from Qatar faced delays in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks. These attacks have disrupted shipping in a crucial route used to transport cargo and energy from Asia and the Middle East to Europe.
Interestingly, Qatar has not experienced any direct attacks on its ships. Qatar Energy, their state-owned producer, assured that their production remains uninterrupted and their commitment to supplying LNG to customers remains steadfast.
QatarEnergy manages LNG shipments despite Red Sea developments
QatarEnergy is assuring its buyers that it is effectively managing LNG shipments amidst ongoing developments in the Red Sea area. While these developments may impact delivery schedules as alternative routes are taken, QatarEnergy remains committed to providing high-quality service to its valued customers.
To ensure the safe transportation of its cargos, QatarEnergy's vessels are now navigating around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. While this alternative route may add additional travel time, it serves as a necessary precaution to mitigate any potential risks associated with the Red Sea region.
In related news, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, an organization overseen by the British military, recently reported an explosion near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen. Fortunately, the blast, which occurred about 100 meters (325 feet) from a vessel, did not cause any damage or harm to its crew.
Although the identity of those responsible for the explosion has not been confirmed, it is worth noting that the Houthi faction, known for launching attacks on ships, has been involved in similar incidents since November. These attacks have been driven by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched airstrikes targeting suspected missile storage and launch sites used by the Houthis.
Despite these challenges, QatarEnergy remains dedicated to fulfilling its commitments and ensuring smooth operations for its buyers.
