QatarEnergy has imposed the immediate shutdown of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) on all vessels bound for or anchored at Ras Laffan, the world’s largest hub for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The news was reported by Bloomberg and picked up by the journal Lloyd’s List, according to which the measure is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice, covering the entire port area.
The order, which is said to have been issued as a preventive security measure to protect ships and prevent them from becoming sensitive targets, comes at a time of extremely high diplomatic tension.
The decision follows, by just a few hours, the stern warning issued by Doha to Tehran, in which Qatar openly cautioned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as a weapon of blackmail against the Gulf States. The stance was taken by the Prime Minister of the Gulf Emirate, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
