A Chevron-chartered oil tanker, Yasa Polaris, was struck by a drone off Russia’s Black Sea coast, as Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russian energy targets. The vessel, empty and drifting, was hit on July 7, but all crew members are safe, with no reported damage or environmental impact.
An oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, igniting a fire on its port side. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the incident, noting no immediate casualties or environmental damage. Authorities are investigating, underscoring ongoing maritime security concerns in this critical region.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued new guidelines for Permanent Means of Access (PMA) on oil tankers and bulk carriers, emphasizing annual inspections to ensure safety. These requirements address access to cargo areas for vessels over specified tonnage, highlighting the need for compliance with updated inspection protocols and maintenance practices.
Authorities in the UK arrested 38-year-old Captain Ajay Pant, an Indian national, for allegedly breaching sanctions against Russia. He is accused of facilitating the supply of Russian oil amid stringent sanctions post-Ukraine invasion. Captain Pant is currently in custody, pending a court appearance on July 16 regarding his role in the incident involving the SMYRTOS tanker.
Ajay Pant, captain of a Russian shadow fleet vessel, has been charged with violating sanctions, as reported by Britain’s National Crime Agency. He faces allegations of supplying prohibited oil from Russia. The Smyrtos, a sanctioned tanker intercepted by British commandos, remains detained, reflecting the UK’s efforts to disrupt Russian oil revenue.
In April, oil tanker traffic through Egypt’s Suez Canal surged nearly 30%, yielding the highest revenue since early 2024. This increase followed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pushing countries like Saudi Arabia to seek alternative routes. Revenue reached $419 million, reflecting a 27% rise from last year.
A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker managed by Japan’s Eneos has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant achievement amid heightened tensions. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi coordinated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to facilitate the transit, which carries 1.2 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude and 700,000 barrels of Emirati oil.
The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran of attacking the empty crude oil tanker Barakah, owned by ADNOC, with drones in the Strait of Hormuz. ADNOC confirmed no injuries occurred. The UAE condemned the unprovoked assault, urging Iran to halt hostilities and reopen the critical shipping route for global oil.
On May 2, Yemen’s coast guard reported the hijacking of the M/T EUREKA oil tanker off Shabwa province. Armed individuals took control and redirected the vessel towards the Gulf of Aden. Authorities are working to secure the crew’s safety and recover the ship, highlighting ongoing maritime security challenges in the region.
Sixteen Indian seafarers aboard the MT AURORA are urgently seeking repatriation after a suspected drone attack near Dubai. With limited supplies and safety concerns, they reported significant damage to the vessel. Despite not being paid for over 40 days, management pressures them to sail to Iran, threatening salary withholding.
Safesea Group is demanding an independent international investigation into the attack on its oil tanker, MT Safesea Vishnu, which killed crew member Deonandan Singh. The incident, attributed to an alleged Iranian suicide boat, raises serious maritime security concerns. Safesea urges enhanced coastal security and vessel monitoring in Iraqi waters.
An oil tanker leased by QatarEnergy was hit by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. Of three missiles launched, two were intercepted, but the third struck the tanker, Aqua 1. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and environmental impact was minimal.
On March 31, 2026, Bloomberg reported the successful passage of the Greek-controlled oil tanker, the Suezmax Pola, through the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened Middle Eastern tensions. This marked the fourth such journey since the rise in hostilities, with the vessel heading towards Thailand carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
On March 30, Russia dispatched an oil tanker with 100,000 metric tons of crude to Cuba, reinforcing its support amid U.S. sanctions. This shipment comes after halted Venezuelan oil exports. Cuban officials stressed energy shortages leading to blackouts, raising health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations facing urgent needs.
A Thai oil tanker successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between Thailand and Iran, avoiding passage fees. Following discussions between Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador, Iranian officials agreed to assist. This comes amid rising tensions affecting oil supplies, with Thailand facing transportation challenges.
