Three oil tankers have been involved in separate incidents around the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued security risks for crude shipments through the critical waterway and complicating efforts by Saudi Arabia to maintain oil exports.
Two supertankers carrying Saudi crude were struck by unknown projectiles while sailing out of the Strait on August 31. The vessels, Sidr and Senegal Prosperity, were carrying around 2 million barrels of Saudi crude each, according to shipping intelligence and vessel-tracking data. All crew members were reported safe.
The incidents occurred near Khasab, Oman, along the Omani corridor of the Strait. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported a tanker being struck by projectiles in the same area.
The attacks add to already reduced vessel traffic through Hormuz. On September 17, only three commercial vessels transited the Strait, compared with a 10-day average of 17, according to preliminary ship-tracking data. Some vessels have also been using routes with their AIS transponders switched off.
Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on alternative routes to move crude while limiting exposure to Hormuz. However, a drone attack on the kingdom’s East-West Pipeline, which connects Gulf oil production with the Red Sea, has severely disrupted that option. The pipeline is expected to remain largely out of service for several weeks.
The pipeline disruption is forcing Saudi Arabia to reconsider the use of routes through Hormuz. Reports indicate that the kingdom is redirecting more crude towards the Strait, despite the security risks and significantly reduced shipping activity.
The developments are adding pressure to global tanker markets and oil supply chains. With both the Strait of Hormuz and alternative Red Sea routes facing security challenges, shipping companies and energy traders are closely monitoring vessel movements, insurance risks and available export routes.
The disruption could also keep tanker freight rates and crude prices volatile as producers seek alternative transportation options and buyers adjust sourcing strategies.