USA oil tanker Stena Imperative attacked by Iran in Port of Bahrain

USA oil tanker Stena Imperative attacked by Iran in Port of Bahrain.

On 2nd Match a USA flagged oil tanker Stena Imperative was attacked, she was struck by two aerial projectiles while berthed/docked in Bahrain port. Fire broke out onboard, which was later extinguished.

Vessel: Stena Imperative  
Flag / Registry: United States
Operator / Owner: Stena Bulk (Swedish owner) / Operated under U.S. program with Crowley Maritime
IMO / Type: Medium Range Products Tanker, ~49,800 DWT (product tanker class)
Location of Attack: Port of Bahrain, Mina Salman / Mina Sulman Port area (Salman Industrial City)
Date & Time: Early morning, March 2, 2026 at approx. 02:57 GMT (02:57 UTC)

Impact –

• Crew onboard evacuated safely with no reported injuries among seafarers.
• One civilian shipyard worker was killed by falling debris and two others were seriously injured, according to local authorities.
• Damage to the vessel is under assessment; extent not fully publicly clarified at this time.

First Known U.S.-Flagged commercial vessel damaged in current conflict: This marks a significant escalation in threats to commercial shipping associated with the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and regional allies.

Part of MARAD’s U.S. Tanker security program (TSP): provides commercial tankers to support Department of Defense fuel logistics during crises. The program includes sister vessels Stena Immaculate and Stena Impeccable. The ship had previously been involved in minor regional tensions earlier in the month (prior encounters with Iranian vessels), though without direct damage.