Maritime security concerns intensify as attacks on commercial vessels disrupt one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.

At least 11 commercial vessels have come under attack in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf over a seven-day period, with three reportedly sunk, according to figures attributed to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incidents, recorded in the week ending November 4, highlight the growing risks facing international shipping in a region critical to global energy supplies. Eight of the reported attacks took place in the Strait of Hormuz, while three occurred in the Arabian Gulf.

According to the reported breakdown, three vessels were able to continue their journeys, five required assistance and three sank following the incidents.

Among the reported cases was an attack on an Indian-crewed dhow. The incident resulted in one crew member being killed, while 13 others were rescued by local authorities, according to reports.

A Panama-flagged supply vessel was also reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on November 1. The vessel subsequently sank, although its crew were rescued by a nearby merchant ship.

In a separate incident in the Arabian Gulf on November 4, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was struck by two unidentified projectiles, leaving it drifting and requiring assistance from local authorities.

UKMTO’s incident reporting has also documented attacks involving tankers and other commercial vessels, including reports of projectiles striking ships near Oman’s coastline. In one incident northeast of Lima, Oman, a tanker sustained damage after being hit by two unidentified projectiles in its engine room. No casualties or environmental damage were reported in that case.

The identity of those responsible for the attacks has not been established in the available incident reports. Investigations into several incidents remain ongoing.

Shipping traffic remains severely disrupted

Despite the reported attacks, vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz increased during the reporting period.

A total of 325 transits were recorded over seven days, consisting of 170 outbound and 155 inbound movements. This compared with 277 transits during the previous week.

However, shipping activity remained approximately 65 per cent below pre-conflict levels, underlining the continuing impact of insecurity on commercial maritime operations.

Energy carriers accounted for around 80 per cent of recorded transits, reflecting the waterway’s importance to international oil and gas transportation.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, providing a critical export route for oil and liquefied natural gas from major Gulf producers.

Any sustained disruption to shipping through the narrow passage carries significant implications for global energy markets, freight costs, insurance premiums and supply chains.

The latest incidents are likely to reinforce concerns among shipowners, insurers and international maritime authorities about the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region.

UKMTO has advised vessels transiting the area to exercise caution, maintain heightened situational awareness and report suspicious activity as authorities continue to monitor the security situation