- UKMTO reported three vessel incidents near the Strait of Hormuz
- Two damaged crude tankers were identified through IMO tracking
- Iran said vessels transiting without permission could be targeted
Three tankers were reported to have been struck near the Strait of Hormuz on Sept. 29, The Maritime Executive reported Wednesday.
The incidents came as Iran continued to warn vessels against transiting the strategic waterway, while oil shipments continued to move through the strait and along alternative export routes. U.K. Maritime Trade Operations said it received reports from verified sources but did not provide details on when the incidents occurred or the extent of any damage.
What Is Known About the Vessels?
UKMTO identified the three incidents as involving tankers, while an unconfirmed report described one of the vessels as a liquefied natural gas carrier. Tracking information from the International Maritime Organization identified two of the ships as Liberian-flagged crude carriers, Mersin Prosperity and Sinbad. Both vessels reportedly sustained damage and appeared to be operating with their automatic identification systems, or AIS, switched off.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that warning shots had been fired at vessels it said were violating the strait. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi said ships attempting to pass without permission could be targeted or encounter mines, the Wana News Agency reported.
What Is Happening to Oil Traffic?
Shipping activity has continued despite the reported incidents. Windward counted 17 vessel transits through Hormuz on Sept. 29 and said most tankers were not transmitting AIS signals.
Kpler put September crude flows through Hormuz at a minimum of 16.5 million barrels per day and said about 40 percent of regional crude now leaves without crossing the strait, compared with 17 percent before the war. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made greater use of pipeline routes for exports.
Four tankers were also reported to be at Yanbu on Sept. 28, loading a combined 6.2 million barrels of crude.
