LNG tanker disabled after strike in Hormuz

The Bermuda-flagged LNG tanker Gaslog Shanghai was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on July 31 at 23:30 UTC, about 11 nautical miles northeast of Oman, Seatrade Maritime News reported.

The vessel was outbound from the Gulf. UKMTO reported no injuries to the crew, and the regional coast guard was informed.

Incident Details

Maritime security firm Vanguard said the strike hit the port-side engine room. A fire followed the explosion and was extinguished, but the LNG tanker suffered a blackout and lost propulsion.

Seatrade also reported that the vessel’s AIS was switched off at the time of the attack. According to Pole Star Global, Gaslog Shanghai had called at ports in Qatar and Kuwait before its eastbound transit on July 31.

Another Tanker Reported a Near Miss

Another tanker reported a near miss with an unknown projectile 21 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. UKMTO said the master saw a large splash and explosion close to the vessel. No damage to that tanker had been reported at the time.

According to Vanguard, that tanker was Liberian-flagged and westbound in the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz during the incident at 22:06 on July 31.

Southern Corridor Under Pressure

Iran does not recognize the southern corridor in the Strait of Hormuz near the Omani coast, where the US provides guided transits, and has repeatedly threatened the security of vessels using the route.

Energy Connects reported that risks to Hormuz transits remain after the interim US-Iran arrangement, with shipowners choosing different routes based on their own risk assessments.