Qatari LNG vessel hit travelling through Gulf

A liquefied natural gas tanker operated by Qatar’s Nakilat has sustained damage after being struck by unidentified objects while travelling through Gulf waters on October 30. Qatar Gas Transport Company.

The incident involved the Al Mayeda and was announced by the Qatar Gas Transport Company on November 1.

The vessel remains operational, although specialists are examining the extent of the damage. Company officials confirmed that everyone aboard escaped unharmed. No pollution or environmental harm was identified following the incident.

Qatar strongly criticised the incident, describing it as a serious threat to maritime security and international energy transportation.

Authorities in Doha have launched an investigation to establish exactly what happened and determine who was responsible. Qatar also stated that it retains the right to take appropriate steps to defend its assets and national interests.

The incident comes amid growing threats to commercial shipping since the US-Israel conflict involving Iran began in late February.

Figures from international maritime organisations indicate that more than 120 commercial vessels have experienced attacks since hostilities erupted.

October was particularly dangerous for shipping, with at least 29 vessels reportedly targeted, exceeding March, which was previously the most dangerous.

Tensions have intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping corridor for international energy markets. About one-fifth of all LNG traded passes through the key chokepoint.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has effectively closed the strait only allowing granting permission for save passage for a few vessels. Washington has been negotiating with Tehran to open the strait but has been unsuccessful with negotiations stuck in a standstill.

Iran has warned that any ships switching off navigation and identification systems in the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as hostile.

According to maritime intelligence firm Windward, average daily transits sat at 24 vessels in the third quarter, compared with about 140 before the conflict began.