Tanker hit by multiple projectiles in Gulf off Qatar, maritime agency says
A tanker has been hit by multiple projectiles in the Gulf north of Qatar, with casualties reported, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said. The incident matters because it is the first reported attack this far west of the Strait of Hormuz since 9 September, amid repeated attacks on commercial shipping during the Iran war.
Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged oil and chemical tanker Acers, which was carrying cargo towards the Strait. The UN maritime agency says at least 24 seafarers have died in 93 confirmed incidents in the region. The strait, a route for about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments, has been effectively closed during the conflict; crude exports through it have recently averaged 12 million barrels a day, around 80% of pre-war levels.
- A tanker was hit north of Qatar, with casualties reported.
- The attack is the first reported this far west since 9 September.
- Recent crude exports through Hormuz averaged 12 million barrels a day.
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For the past several months, ships sailing through the Persian Gulf have come under repeated attack amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran. Projectile strikes have killed dozens of seafarers and damaged numerous vessels, triggering international maritime warnings. These attacks represent a significant threat to one of the world's most important shipping corridors.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, handles roughly one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. This makes it critical to energy security for countries across Europe, Asia and beyond. Any disruption to passage through the strait affects fuel prices and energy availability worldwide.
The pattern of attacks has effectively closed much of the main shipping route, forcing commercial vessels to take longer alternative paths at higher cost and risk. This is already raising insurance premiums and shipping expenses for international trade. The disruption threatens to worsen energy supply challenges for nations dependent on Gulf oil and gas.