Security incidents remain an increasing threat to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with three tankers reportedly targeted or hit in incidents on 10 and 11 November. The latest confirmed attack was on the Liberian-flagged VLCC Fujairah Energy, operated by Sinokor, which left four crew injured.

Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the incident in a post on X. He said the vessel was hit by a projectile while sailing from Al Ruwais in the Arabian Gulf toward Dubai on 10 November.

Four of the tanker’s 22 crew members were injured. One was an Indian sailor, who was said to have sustained minor injuries. He was then taken ashore for further medical examination. The other 18 crew members were said to be safe and accounted for.

The strike raises to at least eight the number of Sinokor tankers confirmed attacked in the Strait of Hormuz since July.

The situation has prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to issue new warnings. Its Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, reiterated his call for shipowners and operators to refrain from exposing their crews to the dangers associated with commercial transits through the waterway.

“I would strongly urge shipowners and operators to avoid commercial activities in the Strait that expose seafarers to unacceptable risk,” he said.

Increasing exposure of Sinokor to attacks

Sinokor continues to play a major role in crude oil tanker shuttle operations between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, despite the deteriorating security environment. Only a small number of shipowners are prepared to take the risk of sailing through the Strait of Hormuz at present.

Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows the company has a large footprint in the trade. Sinokor accounted for 47% of VLCC transits through the strait in September and more than 50% in the first 10 days of October.

The company also has been a particular target of Iranian restrictions. Now Sinokor is the only shipping company whose entire fleet has been blacklisted by Iran and listed among non-compliant vessels by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

Two other tanker incidents

The Fujairah Energy was not the only ship hit by the latest wave of maritime security incidents.

Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech said the Barbados-flagged crude tanker Sea 1 was hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) about 19 nautical miles northeast of Limah on November 10. The incident was reported and all crew were safe.

Another incident was reported on 11 November involving the Saudi-flagged tanker NCC Fajr. The ship was reported to be involved in a possible attack, but details of the exact location of the incident and possible damage were not immediately available.

Separately, Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted that all those aboard the tanker, including three Indian nationals, were safe.

The recent incidents highlight the ongoing vulnerability of commercial vessels transiting one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, as security concerns increase for shipowners, operators and seafarers traversing the Strait of Hormuz.