At least four LNG tankers are carrying U.S. cargoes to China for the first time in more than a year.

According to ClipperData, the vessels departed from three U.S. export facilities last month. But while two are taking the typical, more efficient route via the Panama Canal, the others are taking a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.

“The vessels sailing around the Cape may still change their declared destination,” ClipperData said. “We believe the cargoes aboard these vessels are still searching for a home given that they were redirected from elsewhere. The longer route also indicates the shippers are giving themselves more time to find a buyer.”

The Cool Explorer and the Hoegh Giant left Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Sabine Pass terminal, while the SK Resolute left Sempra Energy’s Cameron LNG facility and the Palu sailed from Cheniere’s Corpus Christi plant. Total SA is the SK Resolute’s shipper, while the other vessels list Cheniere as the shipper, ClipperData said. Both the SK Resolute and the Hoegh Giant are taking the long way.

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