Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level since the start of the US-Iran war on February 28. According to published reports, four tankers have been attacked in this area, and another tanker has been directly threatened.
Details of Recent Attacks
The latest attack occurred at 16:37 UTC yesterday when a tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by an unknown projectile, causing a fire in its engine room. While the crew was fighting the fire, a warning report was issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). In this incident, no casualties or initial pollution have been reported.
Read more: Iran's oil exports have reached zero, while Gulf countries' exports increase
Three other attacks revealed on Monday were late reports from two days prior. An LPG carrier was targeted on Saturday afternoon, and less than two hours later, a crude oil tanker was also attacked. Additionally, another crude carrier was hit on Friday above the waterline. Separately, an incoming tanker was stopped about 11 nautical miles north of Khasab by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and was forced to turn back to avoid an attack.
Economic and Security Impacts
One of the most concerning incidents involved a drone entering the chimney of a tanker and falling into the engine room, causing a small fire and temporarily cutting power. Other vessels were also attacked in the stern and engine space, with several ships temporarily losing power.
This new wave of attacks comes as crude oil flows in the Middle East are significantly recovering. Oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz have returned to levels close to pre-war and even exceeded them on some days. This situation has led to a troubling combination of increasing numbers of barrels passing through the strait and rising attacks on vessels.
Moreover, ship owners willing to undertake shuttle trips in the Gulf are facing high demand for freight rates, with some round trips estimated at $40 million. Crews are also receiving exceptional bonuses for transiting through the danger zone.
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