User Account Blocked by Moderators
According to the Joint Maritime Information Center, the frequency of hostile actions against commercial shipping is increasing, with a spate of attacks on vessels affiliated to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. The UKMTO reported that the hull of a bulker was struck by an unknown projectile while it was transiting the Omani corridor through the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel’s crew were reported to be safe with no casualties from the incident. Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech said the vessel involved was the Liberian registered bulker Al Watan. According to Pole Star Global’s PurpleTrac, the 2012-built Al Watan is owned by ADNOC Logistics & Services.
A day earlier, on 13 August, two ADNOC affiliated vessels, the Navig8 Messi, owned by Navig8 majority owned by ADNOC L&S, and the Liberian-flagged Aframax Tarif, owned by ADNOC L&S, were reported struck by UAVs during outbound voyages in the Strait.
Both vessels were reported to have sustained minor damage and continued sailing under their own power. All crew were reported safe and accounted for with no environmental damage. The two attacks were strongly condemned by the UAE government, which accused Iran of engaging in piracy.
The threat level in the Strait remains at severe, according to the JMIC, its second highest level, with “hostile actions considered likely”. The JMIC said in an update released on 16 August that “attack frequency against commercial shipping in the Strait has increased over the reporting period, including unknown-projectile strikes on both inbound and outbound transiting vessels.
Reported damage has generally been limited; most vessels have continued under their own power, with no confirmed crew casualties.” The increase in the number of attacks on commercial shipping was assessed as consistent with the severe threat level and did not indicate a change in intent or capability.
Related: User Account Blocked by Network Administrators
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is expected to remain at reduced levels across both the northern Iranian-controlled route and the southern Omani corridor. Operator caution should continue, driven by a series of vessel attacks, and regional tension, according to the JMIC.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway. The ongoing tensions in the region have led to increased concerns about the safety of commercial shipping.
According to the report, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is being closely monitored by the JMIC and other maritime security organizations.
The JMIC is taking a proactive approach to addressing the situation.
There is a need for continued vigilance in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical waterway, and the safety of commercial shipping is of utmost importance.
