Gulf shipping attacks have increased since the Iran war started on February 28. Several tankers and cargo vessels were targeted near the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters.
The strategic waterway carries around one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Any disruption in this area quickly affects global trade and energy markets.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards earlier warned that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz could become targets during the conflict.
March 1: Multiple vessels attacked
The first wave of Gulf shipping attacks was reported on March 1. A crew member died after a projectile struck the Marshall Islands-flagged crude tanker MKD VYOM near the Omani coast, about 50 nautical miles north of Muscat.
On the same day, the Gibraltar-flagged oil tanker Hercules Star was also hit northwest of Mina Saqr port in Ras Al Khaimah. The strike caused a fire that was later extinguished.
Another tanker, Skylight, sailing under the Palau flag, was attacked near Oman’s Kumzar area in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew had to be evacuated for safety.
March 2–3: Attacks continue near Bahrain and UAE
Gulf shipping attacks continued on March 2 when the US-flagged products tanker Stena Imperative was hit by two projectiles while docked at Bahrain’s port. The attack triggered a fire and forced the crew to leave the vessel.
On March 3, two more ships were damaged near the UAE port of Fujairah. These included the crude tanker Libra Trader and the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Gold Oak.
March 4–6: Fires and damage reported
On March 4, the Maltese-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige was struck by a projectile while sailing near the northern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz. The attack caused a fire in the engine room and the crew abandoned the ship.
Another major incident happened on March 5 when the crude oil tanker Sonangol Namibe was damaged by an explosion while anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port. Security officials said a remote-controlled boat carrying explosives may have been used.
A tugboat assisting Safeen Prestige was also hit by projectiles on March 6 in the Strait of Hormuz.
March 7–11: Drone strike and more ship damage
On March 7, maritime authorities reported a possible drone attack about 10 nautical miles north of Saudi Arabia’s Jubail port. Most crew members were evacuated.
Several Gulf shipping attacks were reported again on March 11. The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree caught fire after a projectile strike in the Strait of Hormuz.
A Japanese container ship, One Majesty, also suffered minor damage northwest of Ras Al Khaimah.
Another bulk carrier, Star Gwyneth, registered in the Marshall Islands, was hit about 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. The vessel was damaged but the crew remained safe.
On the same day, two fuel tankers — Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros — were attacked near Iraqi waters. Following these incidents, Iraqi oil ports temporarily halted operations.
Rising concern for global trade
The repeated Gulf shipping attacks have raised serious concerns for maritime safety and energy supply routes. Shipping companies and port authorities are closely monitoring the situation as tensions continue in the region.
