Two supertankers carrying Saudi crude were reportedly hit by unknown projectiles while sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler reported the incidents within minutes of each other. The attacks have raised fresh concerns about the security situation around the strategically important waterway.
“The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor,” Marisks said.
Saudi Oil Tankers Targeted Near Oman
The Saudi-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) Sidr suffered a projectile strike at around 1952 UTC. Marisks placed the incident approximately 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.
Minutes later, the Liberian-flagged VLCC Senegal Prosperity reportedly came under attack. Three unknown projectiles struck the vessel around 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, according to Marisks.
All crew members aboard the Senegal Prosperity remained safe, the shipping intelligence firm said.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported three projectiles striking a tanker in the same area. The agency’s report appeared to refer to the same incident.
Bahri operates Sidr, while Sinokor operates Senegal Prosperity. Neither company immediately responded to requests for comment.
Tankers Carried Millions of Barrels of Saudi Crude
Both vessels loaded around two million barrels of Saudi crude at the Juaymah terminal last week, according to Kpler data.
Saudi Aramco resumed oil loadings and sales from inside the Strait of Hormuz in August. However, continued security threats have complicated shipping activity through the vital maritime route.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before recent military strikes and disruptions, the waterway carried roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Tensions Continue Around Strait of Hormuz
Iranian and US blockades have significantly restricted energy exports from the Gulf. Both sides have sought to strengthen their control over the strategically important waterway.
Meanwhile, mediators including Qatar and Oman have attempted to broker an agreement to reopen the strait. However, diplomatic efforts have yet to produce a breakthrough.
Oil prices rose on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump threatened further strikes against Iran. His comments followed the first exchanges of fire since late July.
Separately, Iranian media reported that authorities had stopped a Saudi oil tanker while it travelled through the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest incidents could therefore increase pressure on international shipping operators. They may also fuel concerns about further disruptions to global energy supplies if tensions around the waterway continue to escalate.
