An Iranian cruise missile hit the tanker Aqua 1, leased by state-owned QatarEnergy, in northern Qatari waters on 1 April, causing damage above the waterline, authorities confirmed. The incident highlights growing risks to energy shipping near the Gulf’s major export hubs.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense reported that three cruise missiles were launched toward the country from Iran. Two were intercepted by Qatari air defenses, while the third struck Aqua 1 approximately 17 nautical miles north of Ras Laffan, home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and QatarEnergy confirmed the vessel’s 21 crew members were safely evacuated and that there was no environmental impact.
Maritime security sources said the missile strike caused a small fire, which has been extinguished. One projectile remains unexploded in the engine room, according to initial reports.
Aqua 1 is a medium-range tanker of roughly 48,000 DWT, significantly smaller than the VLCC Al-Salmi, which was recently targeted off Dubai.
The attack follows a resurgence of incidents after a brief nine-day lull, with at least three vessels struck in the Gulf over 24 hours. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains at historically low levels, with March reporting fewer than three tanker departures per day, according to TankerTrackers. UKMTO data shows 25 incidents affecting vessels across the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman since 28 February.
