Three oil tankers struck by projectiles in Strait of Hormuz, Marisks says

• The tankers had their Automatic Identification System transponders turned off to avoid detection when the incidents occurred
• Mersin Prosperity transferred 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude in mid-September, while Al Ruwais discharged diesel cargo in late September
• ADNOC Logistics & Services, which manages two of the affected vessels, declined to comment on the incidents

SUMMARY

Three Liberian-flagged oil tankers were struck by unknown projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, October 1st, according to shipping intelligence service Marisks. The vessels—Al Ruwais, Mersin Prosperity, and Sinbad—had their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders turned off to avoid detection during transit through the critical maritime chokepoint.

Key Vessel Details:

• Al Ruwais (oil products tanker): Conducted ship-to-ship transfer off Sohar, Oman in late September to discharge diesel cargo
• Mersin Prosperity (very large crude carrier): Transferred 2 million barrels of Iraqi Basrah crude via ship-to-ship operation off Sohar in mid-September
• Sinbad (Aframax tanker): Loaded refined products at Saudi Arabia's Jubail industrial port in early September

ADNOC Logistics & Services, which manages Al Ruwais and Mersin Prosperity, declined to comment. Sinbad's manager, Anglo-Eastern Tanker Management, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Market Implications:

The incident highlights escalating security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supply passes. The fact that vessels disabled their AIS transponders suggests heightened regional tensions and potential sanctions evasion activities. Such attacks typically trigger concerns about supply disruptions and can lead to increased shipping insurance premiums and potential oil price volatility. The involvement of vessels carrying Iraqi crude and Saudi refined products underscores the vulnerability of Middle Eastern energy exports through this strategic waterway.

No information was provided regarding casualties, vessel damage extent, or the perpetrators of the attacks.