Three Liberian-flagged oil tankers and one LNG tanker were attacked by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, maritime intelligence firm Marisks reported. According to TradeWinds, this incident occurred on Tuesday, affecting both oil and LNG shipments.
Incident Details
The attack involved three tankers and an LNG vessel, according to TradeWinds and Marine Insight. Two of the tankers were Liberian-flagged vessels, while the LNG tanker was also targeted, though the nationality of this vessel was not specified in the reports. According to Baird Maritime, the vessels had their automatic identification system (AIS) transponders turned off to avoid detection, making it challenging to track their movements.
Vessel Operations
The affected vessels were last seen conducting ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Sohar, Oman. Oil products tanker Al Ruwais, managed by ADNOC Logistics and Services, was last observed offloading diesel cargo in late September. Similarly, Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Mersin Prosperity, also managed by ADNOC Logistics and Services, was involved in a ship-to-ship transfer of two million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude in mid-September. Aframax-sized tanker Sinbad, managed by Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management, had loaded refined products at Saudi Arabia's Jubail industrial port in early September, according to Kpler data cited by Baird Maritime.
Impact and Response
The projectiles caused significant damage to the tankers and ignited a fire on one of the vessels, likely a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) based on the cargo size reported by Iran, according to TradeWinds. ADNOC Logistics and Services declined to comment on the incident, while Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Security Implications
The attack underscores the ongoing security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply transits. The use of projectiles suggests a high level of sophistication in the attacks, potentially indicating state-sponsored involvement. Maritime authorities and operators must remain vigilant and enhance security measures to protect vessels transiting this vital waterway.
What This Means for Operators
Ship operators and insurers must reassess security protocols in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly for vessels transiting with high-value cargoes such as crude oil and LNG. Enhanced surveillance and communication with maritime security forces will be crucial to mitigate the risks posed by such attacks. Operators should also consider implementing advanced security measures and protocols to protect their vessels from future incidents.
Related coverage
This article was produced with the assistance of an AI system and reviewed by the editorial team before publication. Sources are listed below.
Equipment mentioned — technical data
- Tanker Cargo Systems — equipment category
- Bulk Carrier Systems — equipment category
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