Two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) transporting Saudi oil were hit by unknown projectiles almost simultaneously while exiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening. Maritime intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler reported that the Saudi Arabian-flagged Sidr and the Liberian-flagged Senegal Prosperity were struck. Both vessels had loaded 2 million barrels of Saudi crude each at the Juaymah terminal the previous week. The incidents occurred near Khasab, Oman, with the Sidr hit approximately 16.6 nautical miles northeast of Khasab and the Senegal Prosperity struck minutes later about 17 nautical miles east of Khasab. All crew members aboard both tankers were reported safe, according to Marisks and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
These attacks mark a significant escalation in the threat environment within the Omani corridor, as noted by Marisks. The UKMTO reported that one tanker was hit by three projectiles, causing damage to the engine room and a ballast tank, leading to loss of communication and the vessel being dead in the water and listing, with its crew rescued. The incidents come amid renewed military confrontations between Iran and the United States, following the first exchanges of fire since late July. Prior to recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran six months ago, the Strait of Hormuz facilitated about one-fifth of global oil supplies. Saudi Aramco had only resumed oil loadings and sales from inside the strait in August.
Oil prices reacted to the news, gaining on Tuesday. Brent crude neared $92 a barrel in Asian trade, reflecting market concerns over the re-escalation of tensions and its potential impact on oil flows from the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of further strikes against Iran following the recent exchanges of fire also contributed to the rise in oil prices. Efforts by mediators like Qatar and Oman to reopen the strait have so far been unsuccessful. Traffic through the strait remains substantially below normal levels, with Kpler recording only five confirmed crossings on Monday, including just one outbound vessel.
