A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Gaslog Shanghai, carrying a cargo from Qatar, was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the critical Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which occurred overnight off the Omani coast, led to a temporary blackout on board the vessel.
According to reports from Bloomberg, citing the vessel's operator and security intelligence firms Vanguard Tech and Marisks, the attack caused a fire that was quickly extinguished. A spokeswoman for the shipping manager confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, and there was no environmental impact, as stated by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Details of the Incident
The Gaslog Shanghai had loaded its LNG cargo in Qatar around July 27 and ceased transmitting its tracking signal on July 31 near the western entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was not transmitting a signal when it was hit. UKMTO had initially issued an alert about a vessel being struck but did not identify the ship at the time.
Context of Regional Tensions
This latest attack comes amidst ongoing conflict and heightened tensions in West Asia, which continue to disrupt vital shipping lanes. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint, through which approximately one-fifth of global LNG flows. The region has seen a series of maritime incidents targeting commercial vessels.
Previous Attacks and Warnings
- In early July, another Qatari LNG tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Qatar, the world's second-largest LNG exporter, to suspend shipments via the route for three weeks.
- Earlier this week, the Gaslog Salem, another LNG carrier managed by the same company as the Gaslog Shanghai, was reportedly struck by a drone while docked at Egypt's northern port of Damietta. No group has claimed responsibility for this attack.
- Separately, UKMTO reported another tanker witnessing an explosion in the water nearby on Saturday, though that vessel was undamaged.
The escalation of maritime incidents underscores the volatile security situation in the region, posing significant risks to international shipping and global energy supplies.