US-Israel-Iran war tensions escalated further after Iran warned that any US attack on Iranian ports would result in all ports in the Persian Gulf being treated as legitimate targets.
A container ship, identified as the Liberian-flagged Source Blessing, was struck today by an unidentified projectile 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali, UAE, causing a small fire. The ship was time-chartered by Hapag-Lloyd from Danish shipping group Maersk.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that all crew are safe, the fire was brought under control, and there is no reported environmental impact. This is the sixth reported maritime attack in the Gulf within two days.
The conflict has also begun to affect key regional logistics infrastructure. Operations at Salalah Port in Oman were suspended after an attack on fuel storage tanks within the port complex. The port serves as one of the most important container transshipment hubs outside the Persian Gulf.
Tankers Ablaze in Iraqi Waters
Meanwhile, two tanker vessels were set ablaze near Iraqi waters in the latest escalation of attacks on commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, further intensifying concerns over maritime safety and global energy supply disruptions.
According to early reports, both tankers caught fire following the attacks and their crews were forced to abandon the vessels. One of the ships is believed to be the US-owned tanker "Safesea Vishnu".
Initial information suggests that one Indian crew member was killed during the incident, although details surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least one of the tankers may have been struck by a drone boat. Video footage circulating widely online appears to show one of the vessels being hit before flames engulf parts of the ship. Maritime authorities have yet to formally verify the video.
Despite the growing security risks, a limited number of ships continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz each day. In the past 24 hours, several vessels have made safe passage, including the general cargo vessel "Ayrin", bulk carrier "Broad Rich", and the oil tanker "Lan Jing".
Energy Prices Move Upward
Energy markets have reacted sharply to the unfolding crisis with the global average price for very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) surging to US$921 per tonne, up from US$576 prior to the crisis.
Crude oil prices also rose despite an unprecedented emergency release of oil reserves announced by the International Energy Agency and the United States, totaling nearly 600 million barrels - equivalent to roughly six days of global oil production.
Meanwhile, shipping lines continue adjusting their pricing structures amid mounting operational costs - not the least which being insurance and reinsurance.
Read More: UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia Activate Alternative Air and Logistics Corridors Amid War Disruptions