Qatar Condemns Attack on LNG Carrier as Gulf Shipping Risks Threaten Global Energy Supplies

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Qatar strongly condemned an attack on one of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in the "Arabian Gulf", warning that targeting energy vessels threatens international maritime navigation, global energy supplies and regional stability as tensions continue over shipping routes in the Middle East.

The attack targeted the Al Mayeda, an LNG carrier owned by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), while it was sailing through Gulf waters on Friday evening, according to Qatar's state news agency.

The vessel was struck by what the company described as "unidentified objects." No crew members were injured, and no environmental damage was reported. Nakilat said the ship remained safe and operational, while the impact of the incident was being assessed.

In a statement on Sunday, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a dangerous act that threatened maritime safety and the security of global energy supplies.

The ministry said the country reserved the right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to protect its assets, vessels and crews. It added that relevant authorities had launched investigations to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.

Doha also warned that attacks on energy carriers could have serious environmental consequences, potentially threatening the marine environment and water security across the region.

Kuwait also strongly condemned the attack, expressing full solidarity with Qatar and support for measures Doha takes to protect its security and interests.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to respect international law, guarantee freedom of maritime navigation, and ensure the safety of vessels and their crews.

It warned that targeting energy carriers could carry serious environmental and economic consequences, threaten regional security and stability, and called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be established and those responsible held accountable.

A direct threat to global energy security

The incident carries significance beyond the damage to a single commercial vessel because Qatar is one of the world's largest LNG exporters, supplying major energy markets in Asia and Europe.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Qatar exported more than 112 billion cubic metres of LNG in 2025, making it the world's second-largest LNG exporter after the United States.

Almost all of Qatar's LNG exports must pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

The IEA estimates that LNG shipments through the Strait accounted for almost 20 percent of global LNG trade in 2025. It also notes that there are no alternative export routes capable of bringing Qatar's LNG volumes to international markets if the waterway is disrupted.

This makes the security of commercial vessels in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz particularly important for international energy markets. Any sustained disruption could affect gas supplies, increase shipping and insurance costs, and intensify competition among importing countries for alternative supplies.

Asian economies are particularly exposed, as almost 90 percent of LNG volumes transported through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025 were destined for Asian markets, according to the IEA.

Consequently, attacks on LNG carriers could have implications far beyond the immediate conflict, potentially affecting energy prices, industrial production and electricity supplies in countries heavily dependent on imported natural gas.

Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation

The attack comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States over control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the regional war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes against Iran, Tehran has sought to assert control over shipping through the strategic waterway, insisting that vessels obtain its authorization before transiting.

Iran has repeatedly targeted commercial vessels attempting to cross without its permission, while the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in response.

The confrontation has placed commercial shipping and energy infrastructure across the Gulf at increasing risk, raising concerns among regional governments and international energy consumers over the security of vital maritime routes.

Although Qatar's authorities have not identified those responsible for the attack on the Al Mayeda, the incident adds to concerns about the vulnerability of commercial energy shipments as the maritime confrontation continues.

Attack comes as Qatar pursues diplomatic efforts

The incident also presents a diplomatic challenge for Qatar, which has played a mediating role in efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States.

Doha has stepped up diplomatic contacts in recent days in an attempt to revive negotiations and prevent another escalation, as both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange warnings while maintaining pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar's condemnation reflects its concern that attacks on commercial vessels could undermine regional stability and threaten the energy infrastructure on which its economy and international standing depend.

For Gulf countries, the security of maritime routes is not simply a military or commercial concern. It is directly linked to their economic stability, international trade and ability to maintain reliable energy supplies to global markets.

With the circumstances surrounding the attack still under investigation, the incident raises fresh questions about the protection of commercial shipping and whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the wider maritime confrontation from escalating further.