Late on Monday, a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) was hit by an unknown projectile while it was navigating east of the Strait of Hormuz, adding to concerns over safety in one of the world's crucial shipping routes.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the ship's captain informed them that the tanker was struck on its left side approximately 8 nautical miles east of Limah, Oman, while heading south away from the Strait of Hormuz. The collision caused a fire on the ship, but fortunately, there were no injuries or environmental damage reported. Authorities are currently looking into the matter.
This incident occurred as commercial shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has started to pick up again following a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran last month. However, security agencies warn that the danger levels are still high.
The attack seems to have happened near the southern transit corridor coordinated by the U.S. off the coast of Oman, which has become the main route for some commercial ships entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz. This corridor was expanded after last month's ceasefire due to mine threats that made the usual traffic separation route unsafe.
Martin Kelly, Head of EOS Risk Group, noted, “Nakilat Shipping Qatar Limited's LNG tanker AL REKAYYAT (IMO Number: 9397339) was hit by an unknown projectile east of the Musandam peninsula in the eastern Strait of Hormuz.”
This incident occurred shortly after the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) stated that the security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz is still “SUBSTANTIAL.” They also confirmed that the expanded southern transit corridor is open for all commercial traffic.
The advisory indicated that vessels can use this route at any time, provided they have their AIS on, navigation lights operational, radars running, and are using normal VHF communications in line with best practices. While coordination with the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) is encouraged, it is not mandatory.
JMIC also reminded sailors to stay alert for potential mine threats in the traditional traffic separation area.
This latest incident took place near the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital as it accounts for about one-fifth of the world's oil supplies. Shipping activity in the region has been recovering recently after earlier military operations and mine threats had disrupted navigation.
UKMTO has advised vessels passing through the area to be cautious and report any unusual activity as investigations into the attack continue.