A confirmed attack on a crude oil tanker near the United Arab Emirates is adding pressure to shipping flows, terminal operations and carrier costs across the Gulf.
According to Reuters, the Kuwaiti-flagged tanker AL SALMI was struck on 31 March approximately 31 nautical miles off Dubai, causing a fire and damage to the vessel’s hull.
The fire was later extinguished, and no injuries were reported among the crew. The vessel was carrying a full crude cargo.
The incident forms part of a broader escalation affecting commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including attacks on merchant vessels near the strategic corridor.
Despite the security environment, traffic has not stopped entirely. Vessel tracking data cited by Reuters shows that some container ships continue to transit the corridor, although movements appear more selective and dependent on risk conditions.
READ: COSCO vessels pass Hormuz on second attempt
The impact on ports is becoming increasingly visible. Maersk confirmed that operations at the Port of Salalah were disrupted following a security incident, with activity gradually resuming from 31 March.
Carriers are also responding to the situation. Hapag-Lloyd has announced a General Rate Increase of $1,000 per container on trades from the Indian Subcontinent, Pakistan and the Middle East to North America, reflecting rising operational costs linked to security risks and potential rerouting.
At a geopolitical level, uncertainty remains high. According to The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump could be willing to end the conflict even if the Strait of Hormuz does not fully reopen.
