Key facts
- Three oil tankers were struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz this week.
- The incidents occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, involving Liberia-flagged tankers with switched-off transponders.
- One tanker experienced a fire on Monday evening after being hit by a suspected projectile; the fire was extinguished and the vessel is underway.
- The affected tankers were identified as Al Ruwais, Mersin Prosperity, and Sinbad.
- UKMTO confirmed receiving multiple late reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Three oil tankers have been struck by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz this week, according to shipping intelligence and security firms. The incidents highlight ongoing operational risks in the crucial maritime chokepoint, even as oil flows through it are reported to have recovered.
Shipping intelligence firm Marisks reported that three Liberia-flagged tankers, with their transponders switched off, were transiting the Strait on Tuesday and Wednesday when they were hit by projectiles. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy-sponsored organization, also issued a warning after receiving three separate time-late reports of attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
One of these reports detailed an incident on Monday evening where a vessel was struck by a suspected unknown projectile, causing a fire. The fire has since been extinguished, and the vessel is continuing its journey with its crew safe. UKMTO also received verified reports of two other tankers being struck by unknown projectiles while transiting inbound within the Strait.
The identified tankers include the oil products tanker Al Ruwais and the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Mersin Prosperity, both managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services of the United Arab Emirates. The Aframax-sized tanker Sinbad, managed by Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management, was also affected. Data from Kpler indicated that Sinbad had loaded refined products in Saudi Arabia in early September.
These incidents occur amid claims by analysts and investment banks that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have largely returned to pre-war levels. However, the attacks underscore the persistent operational risks and the fact that the Strait may not be as open to traffic as commonly believed.