Strait of Hormuz Attacks Target Salvage Tugs and LNG Carriers

The targeting of the Emirati-owned offshore tug Selat Storm on Sunday marks a strategic shift in the Strait of Hormuz, as attacks move beyond commercial tankers to disable the region’s salvage and support infrastructure.

The Selat Storm, a 1,300-dwt tug, was hit by a projectile northwest of the Musandam Peninsula and was reported to be partially sinking. This follows a similar strike on the Dutch-flagged tug JIF Barracuda on October 18, illustrating a growing hazard for the specialized vessels required to assist disabled shipping in the narrow waterway.

Denial of Recovery

The decision to target salvage assets carries severe implications for regional maritime safety. With at least four tankers disabled or damaged in the strait since last Thursday alone, there is an acute need for towing services. By striking tugs, the perpetrators are effectively implementing a denial of recovery strategy, ensuring that damaged tankers remain adrift or sinking, thereby escalating the risk of environmental catastrophe and navigational blockages.

The campaign has also expanded geographically and diplomatically. On Friday, the Qatari-owned LNG carrier Al Mayeda was struck in its accommodations block despite having received safe-passage approval from Iranian regulators just hours before the crossing. The vessel, which was carrying gas for utilities in Pakistan, was hit 40 nautical miles south of Lavan Island.

The strike on the Al Mayeda indicates that the threat zone is moving further from the immediate Strait of Hormuz into areas less frequently patrolled by international naval forces. Furthermore, the failure of the safe-passage agreement suggests that formal de-confliction channels with Iranian authorities may no longer provide reliable security for neutral tonnage.

According to security reports, other vessels targeted in the recent surge include the VLCC Arnazah, the Suezmax Riti, and the Suezmax Louise 1, the latter of which was hit by a manually-emplaced limpet mine. The product tanker Stone was also intercepted by the IRGC Navy but was allowed to reverse course without damage. Operator Nakilat has confirmed that the Al Mayeda remains operational and in safe condition.

Source: maritime-executive