Commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman reported several ‘projectile incidents’ between 3 and 5 March, according to advisories from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The events highlight growing risks for merchant traffic transiting one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
The most serious incident involved the Malta-flagged containership Safeen Prestige, which reported being struck by an unidentified projectile on 4 March while transiting eastbound approximately two nautical miles north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. The impact reportedly ignited a fire in the engine room. Although no water ingress or pollution was reported, the crew abandoned the vessel as a precaution. Oman’s Royal Navy later rescued all crew members, who were reported safe and in good health.
Another vessel, the Liberia-flagged containership MSC Grace, reported a projectile splashdown near the vessel the same day while sailing about 20 nautical miles off Dubai. The crew reported no damage and the ship continued operations.
A day earlier, on 3 March, the crude oil tanker Libra Trader reported damage to its funnel and debris discovered on deck after what appeared to be an unidentified projectile impact roughly 10 nautical miles off Fujairah. The vessel sustained limited damage and no injuries were reported.
Also on 3 March, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Gold Oak reported being struck by an unidentified projectile about seven nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. The impact damaged the vessel’s steel plating but did not cause flooding, and the crew remained safe.
Separately, a tanker anchored approximately 30 nautical miles southeast of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Kuwait, reported a ‘large explosion’ late on 4 March. According to UKMTO, the vessel’s master observed a blast on the port side followed by a small craft departing the area. The explosion damaged a cargo tank, resulting in oil being observed in the water and the vessel taking on water. No fire or crew injuries were reported.
The incident occurred outside Kuwait’s territorial waters, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion.
The Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters remain a critical chokepoint for global oil and container traffic, linking the Arabian Gulf with the Indian Ocean. Security advisories issued to the shipping industry warn that continued regional military activity may increase risks for commercial vessels operating in the area.
