Aggression against shipping expands both in frequency and geographic reach

September 11 ------ Aggression against commercial shipping in the Middle East has intensified, with multiple merchant vessels reportedly coming under attack in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman amid the escalating US-Iran conflict.

Tanker struck near Al Faw

On September 9, a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile approximately 28 nautical miles southeast of Al Faw, Iraq, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel’s crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, while vessels operating in the area have been advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

Reuters also reported that the Panama-flagged tanker New Andros, carrying around 2 million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil, was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters. The attack caused a fire and minor hull damage, while all 22 crew members were reported unharmed. No cargo leakage was reported.

On September 8, an incident occurred approximately 24 nautical miles northwest of Port Rashid, UAE, after a tanker observed an anchored vessel listing, potentially due to water ingress following an unidentified projectile attack. UKMTO reported the incident on September 9. The vessel was later identified as the Gibraltar-flagged oil products tanker Hercules Star, with its charterer Peninsula confirming that one seafarer was killed. Maritime security sources indicated that the tanker may have been struck by a drone.

Merchant vessels subjected to disabling fire

In a separate advisory issued on September 8, UKMTO reported that several merchant vessels in the northern Gulf and Gulf of Oman had been subjected to “disabling fire” amid ongoing military activity. UKMTO said it was unable to confirm casualties or environmental impact from the reported incidents, further highlighting the risks facing commercial vessels operating in the region.

Following the escalations, IBIA strongly condemned attacks against commercial shipping and issued a call for greater protection of seafarers and an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels. "IBIA’s Board calls on governments and the international community to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life, protect freedom of navigation, safeguard global trade and uphold international law," said Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, adding that the men and women serving at sea are not involved in these disputes. They are delivering energy, food and essential goods that keep economies and societies functioning. Seafarers deserve protection, respect and the ability to do their jobs without becoming targets.

US-Iran escalation

The incidents followed a major escalation between Iran and the US. On September 9, the US military said it had struck and destroyed five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, after accusing Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attempting to target a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice over two days.

US Central Command said the warship successfully evaded both attacks and that no US personnel were injured. Iran subsequently said its naval forces had targeted two US vessels and eight oil tankers in retaliation for the US strikes. Tehran also launched missiles at US forces stationed at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan. The US denied that its vessels had been hit, while Iran warned of further action against shipping around the Strait of Hormuz.

Growing risks for commercial shipping

The latest incidents further increase risks for commercial vessels operating in these waters, where military activity and attacks are increasingly affecting merchant shipping.

The escalation has also raised concerns over potential disruptions to regional oil supplies, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel on September 9 as tensions intensified.

Vessel transits at the Strait of Hormuz fell slightly on 9 September to seven, compared with the previous day’s 12, preliminary ship-tracking data showed on 10 September, with levels also lower than the 10-day average of 14, Reuters reports.

Source: safety4sea.com