Iran's attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have recorded 23 incidents in the first two weeks of October, among which at least five have damaged the engine rooms of the ships. These attacks include direct strikes on engine rooms, which can lead to fires and disable the ships, taking them out of service for months.
New Risks for Energy Flows
Despite these attacks, Middle Eastern producers have shown their willingness to continue supplying oil. Preliminary data from the commercial analysis company Kpler indicates that the average oil exports from the Middle East have slightly exceeded pre-war levels in the past seven days. However, the escalation of attacks could worsen one of the biggest constraints in the global oil market: the number of available ships.
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Increase in Damage to Engine Rooms
According to maritime security and transportation officials, the level of damage to engine rooms as a result of these attacks has increased. However, it is difficult to determine whether Iran is intentionally targeting engine rooms. In some cases, the attacks on engine rooms are reminiscent of the tanker war in the 1980s, when Iraq and Iran targeted engine rooms to disable ships.
In the past week, at least two ships that were attacked sank, including a container ship that was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the sinking of this ship, Pakistan's hydrographic services announced that containers were floating near the United Arab Emirates.
Statistics show that no attacks resulting in damage to engine rooms were recorded in September, but attacks on non-Iranian ships have increased in recent months. The United States has also attacked engine rooms as part of its blockade against Iranian ships.
Currently, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz continue, although estimates vary. The U.S. Secretary of Energy has stated that shipments are at about 80% of normal levels. However, attacks on engine rooms could deter shipowners from returning to the Strait of Hormuz.
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