A chemical tanker was struck by multiple projectiles off the coast of Qatar on Wednesday, resulting in reported casualties. The attack occurred 51 nautical miles north of Madinat ash Shamal, defying expectations that violence would remain confined to the Strait of Hormuz.
Projectiles Hit Acers Near Qatar
The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged chemical and oil tanker Acers was hit by multiple projectiles at approximately 1900 UTC on October 7, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). While the agency confirmed casualties, it did not specify the number of injured or the severity of the damage. This incident took place significantly further west in the Persian Gulf than recent maritime hostilities, marking the first reported attack deep within the Gulf since September 9.
The attack on the Acers coincided with a fire on another vessel near the emirate of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, according to maritime intelligence company Vanguard. NASA’s FIRMS fire detection system confirmed the blaze, which went unrecorded by UKMTO. US military aircraft, including KC-46 and KC-135 tankers, a P-8A patrol aircraft, and several helicopters, were observed in the area. Outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) suggested that Tehran had expanded its operations against commercial vessels to waters beyond the strait.
Maritime Violence Increases
Between September 28 and October 5, at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas tankers occurred around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime security sources cited by Reuters confirmed this as the highest weekly tally since the war with Iran began on February 28.
The United States Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) noted that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have continued their pressure on shipping.
India Responds to Crew Injuries
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 12 crew members, including 11 Indian nationals, were injured when the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi labeled the attacks a source of grave concern
and called for an immediate cessation of violence.
Shipping Costs Rise
Capital Economics senior economist Hamad Hussain warned that the current market equilibrium is fragile and could easily be shattered.
The cost of shipping crude from the Persian Gulf to China has reached $1 million per day for each tanker. The U.S. continues to rely on a shuttle system where tankers transfer oil onto ships in the Gulf of Oman.
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