Security conditions around the Strait of Hormuz have deteriorated further, with the United States striking Iranian state tankers in response to attacks on commercial vessels and a laden VLCC left abandoned near Oman.
The 320,780 dwt Senegal Prosperity, controlled by South Korea’s Sinokor Maritime, was struck by three projectiles during an outbound transit on the evening of August 31. The incident occurred minutes after an attack on the Saudi-owned VLCC Sidr.
Context: Strait of Hormuz shipping guide
Senegal Prosperity, which is registered in Liberia, sustained strikes to its port side, engine room and ballast tank. Communications with the vessel were subsequently lost, and it became disabled and developed a list to port. Local authorities evacuated the crew, leaving the tanker anchored close to the Omani coast.
Related context: earlier Strait of Hormuz coverage · earlier Strait of Hormuz coverage · earlier Strait of Hormuz coverage · earlier Strait of Hormuz coverage
Operational context
No pollution has been reported. However, the casualty has increased environmental concerns because the tanker had loaded its cargo in Saudi Arabia.
The two attacks followed several other strikes against tankers operating along the southern Hormuz route. The aframax Metro Venetian was hit on August 24, resulting in an engine-room fire and loss of propulsion. Al Salam II was attacked the next day, while an unidentified tanker was struck near Khasab on August 29.
US Central Command said it carried out strikes on September 1 against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air-defence sites, radar installations, ports, minelaying capabilities and communications infrastructure. CENTCOM said the action followed attempted attacks on commercial shipping and US forces.
US forces have also struck two tankers belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company under what American officials described as a new retaliatory policy targeting tankers in response to tanker attacks.
What it means for maritime operators
Regional operators are also adjusting their fleets. Public AIS information and vessel databases show that Saudi Arabian shipping company Bahri has transferred 11 controlled vessels from the Saudi registry to Liberia and introduced names using a “Shine” theme. Sahba was renamed Ruby Shine, Arsan became Silver Shine and Awtad became Gold Shine. Most of the vessels were built between 2009 and 2011, with several positioned around Fujairah and Khorfakkan.
The changes come as Gulf producers increasingly use shuttle operations to carry crude through Hormuz before transferring cargoes outside the strait.
Mines remain an additional risk. Washington says it has cleared the internationally recognised Traffic Separation Scheme through Hormuz, but the Joint Maritime Information Center continues to warn about drifting or uncharted mines elsewhere. INTERTANKO welcomed the clearance while cautioning owners that conditions have not returned to normal.
The disruption is also affecting tanker market infrastructure. The Baltic Exchange is preparing emergency arrangements for TD3C and other major Middle East Gulf tanker and LPG assessments if trading conditions prevent panellists from producing reliable evaluations. Around 70% of respondents to its latest consultation rejected two alternative pricing methods.
The Baltic Exchange will continue publishing its existing benchmarks. If Gulf routes can no longer be assessed and no replacement methodology has been approved, the affected benchmarks will be suspended.