The Liberian-flagged tanker Lipsi was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 4 October, according to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech. The attack caused damage to the vessel’s engine room, though all crew were reported safe. A NAVAREA IX alert said the Lipsi was drifting approximately 3.9 nautical miles northeast of Jazirat Um Al Fayarin following the incident. The Lipsi joins a new Dynacom-operated Aframax tanker among at least four other vessels struck in separate attacks between October 2 and 3, as Iran appears to be intensifying its campaign against tankers transiting the chokepoint.
The escalation comes as crude oil export volumes flowing through the Gulf approach levels last seen before recent regional conflict. Reuters cited preliminary data from Kpler showing the seven-day moving average for crude exports stood at 18.5 million barrels per day on October 1, a figure that includes transits via the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, direct terminal loadings and ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman. The mounting attacks have raised fresh concerns among charterers and insurers about the safety of the route, which remains the world’s most critical oil chokepoint despite the rising frequency of strikes on commercial vessels this month.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
