Incident | September 28–29, 2026
Four commercial tankers were reported struck by unknown projectiles while operating in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued four incident reports covering the attacks. One vessel caught fire, but the fire was extinguished and its crew were reported safe. Damage to the other three vessels was initially unclear. Responsibility for the attacks had not been established in the cited reports.
Vessels involved
Al Funtas — IMO 9653408; Kuwait-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC), owned and operated by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company. It was struck on September 28, reportedly catching fire. The fire was extinguished, the crew were safe and the vessel continued underway.
Mersin Prosperity — IMO 9327554; Liberia-flagged VLCC built in 2008. It was struck on the port side by an unknown projectile on September 29 while transiting the strait. Maritime reporting identifies ADNOC as its manager.
Sinbad — IMO 9413688; Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker managed by Anglo-Eastern. It was struck by an unknown projectile while making an inbound transit on September 29.
Al Ruwais — IMO 9828405; Liberia-flagged oil-products tanker associated with ADNOC. It was also struck on September 29. Some early reporting described it as an LNG tanker, but vessel-tracking intelligence identifies it as an oil-products tanker.
Vessel particulars and incident descriptions are based on Windward and Seatrade Maritime reporting. <Cite refs={["turn483999search4","turn409644view1"]}/>
Impact on shipping and freight
Repeated attacks raise the cost and uncertainty of operating through the strait. Shipowners may face higher war-risk insurance premiums, additional security requirements, voyage delays and changes to sailing plans. Tanker freight rates could also rise if operators become reluctant to enter the affected area or if available vessel capacity tightens.
Impact on global trade
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. Any sustained disruption could affect energy prices, refinery supply chains and the transport costs of energy-intensive industries. However, the four reported attacks alone do not establish the size of any resulting freight increase; actual costs depend on insurance conditions, vessel availability and the duration of disruption.
What happens next?
Ship operators will need to follow UKMTO security advisories, review voyage risk assessments and maintain close communication with their masters and security teams. Investigations are also needed to establish the nature of the projectiles, the extent of damage and responsibility for the incidents.
The bigger picture: These attacks show how maritime security risks can quickly become commercial risks. For shipowners, charterers, insurers and cargo owners, the concern is no longer just whether a vessel can pass through Hormuz, but at what risk, cost and level of uncertainty.
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