The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has condemned "acts of piracy" after reports emerged that two more tankers affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) were targeted by Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to gCaptain, the attacks occurred just a day after reports indicated the UAE state oil company was expanding its crucial shuttle operation to move Iraqi crude through the contested waterway.
Two tankers, one flagged as ADNOC L&S and another identified as Navig8, were reportedly struck during outbound transits. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued two separate attack warnings on Friday, stating that both vessels suffered minor damage but that their crews were reported safe and accounted for. No environmental impact was recorded from the attacks.
ADNOC confirmed Thursday evening that two of its vessels had been attacked, indicating that the situations had been brought under control. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs blamed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps for the strikes, characterizing them as "acts of piracy." The ministry called on Tehran to cease attacks and commit to fully reopening the Strait.
Context
The timing of these attacks is notable given that ADNOC’s trading arm recently announced plans to extend its strategy of moving Iraqi oil exports through Hormuz. This approach involves vessels making short voyages with their AIS transponders sometimes switched off, transferring cargo to other ships outside the Gulf before continuing on their routes.
The UAE's decision to rely more heavily on this method underscores the growing challenges faced by maritime trade in the region due to ongoing tensions and attacks. Ship operators must remain vigilant as they navigate through Hormuz, implementing robust security measures to mitigate risks while ensuring the safe transit of crucial oil cargoes.