Two Tankers Hit by Drones in Strait of Hormuz
Two tankers linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) were hit by drones while leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks came just one day after reports that ADNOC was expanding a shuttle operation to move Iraqi crude through the key waterway. GCaptain reported the incidents on August 14.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued two warnings after receiving reports of attacks on the tankers. Both vessels suffered minor damage, while all crew members were safe. No pollution was reported. ADNOC confirmed the attacks, and the UAE blamed Iran for the strikes.
The timing is important because ADNOC’s trading arm has been using short tanker voyages through the Strait to keep oil moving despite the disruption. Vessels may switch off their AIS signals and later transfer cargo to other ships outside the Gulf. Iraq’s state oil marketer SOMO has confirmed that ADNOC is among the companies buying and transporting Iraqi crude through the Strait.
There is no indication that the two attacked tankers were carrying Iraqi crude or that the strikes were linked to the shuttle operation. However, the attacks show the risks facing companies trying to maintain oil shipments through the Strait.
Shipping traffic remains far below normal. Before the conflict, more than 130 ships typically passed through the Strait each day. Recent attacks and security concerns continue to limit commercial traffic and make the route increasingly difficult for tanker operators.
