Iranupdated 51m ago2 min read
MapQatar Gas Transport Company Says Al Mayeda LNG Carrier Struck by Unidentified Objects
“the latest attack on commercial shipping since the US-Israel war on Iran began in February”
“maintaining direct contact with relevant maritime security authorities in the region.”
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL · Cropped for layout
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Al Mayeda LNG carrier struck by unidentified objects in the Gulf. Nakilat says no crew injuries and vessel remains safe and operational.
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Al Mayeda hit
Qatar Gas Transport Company said its LNG carrier Al Mayeda was struck by “unidentified objects” while sailing in the Gulf on Friday evening, and the company said “None of the crew members onboard were injured, and there is no impact on the environment as a result of this incident.” Qatar Gas Transport Company said the vessel remained safe and operational and that it was assessing the impact of the incident after the statement was published on the Qatar Stock Exchange.
The report said more than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the start of the war, according to data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz early on in the war and repeatedly warned vessels attempting to pass through the vital waterway without its permission would face “destruction.”
Strait of Hormuz context
Al Mayeda was struck by unidentified objects while transiting the Arabian Gulf on Friday evening, and Nakilat confirmed “No crew members were injured and there was no environmental impact.” Iran has sought to assert control over shipping through the strategic waterway, saying vessels must obtain its permission to transit, while the United States responded by blockading Iranian ports.
Qatar has been mediating in the conflict and intensified diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran. Al Jazeera said the attacks increased after the United States reimposed a blockade on Iran’s southern ports in July, and it said October was the worst month of the war with at least 29 ships hit, ahead of the 20 attacks recorded in March.
Escalation and risk
Al Araby al-Jadeed said Nakilat stated that its vessel was in a safe condition and capable of controlling its power, and it said the effects of the incident are being assessed. Al Araby al-Jadeed said Nakilat continues direct coordination with the vessel and its crew, and with maritime security authorities in the region, to ensure the safety of the crew.
Al Araby al-Jadeed said Qatar accounts for about a fifth of global LNG exports, all transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. Al Araby al-Jadeed quoted Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy and CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, saying there should be “urgent international cooperation to protect energy infrastructure and maritime shipping routes during conflicts” and warning that disruption of these routes threatens “global trade and energy security as a whole.”