Qatari LNG Carrier Al Mayeda Attacked, Catches Fire Near Strait of Hormuz
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The LNG carrier Al Mayeda, one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas carriers, suffered an attack that resulted in a fire while sailing in the Persian Gulf, according to a British maritime security agency.
Qatar's Account
Qatar Gas Transport Company, Nakilat, stated that the vessel was struck by unidentified objects, with no crew members injured and no environmental damage reported, and that the ship is in a safe and operational condition. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous act against the safety of navigation and global energy supply, and announced it is investigating the incident while reserving the right to take the necessary measures to protect its assets.
Prior Negotiation with Iran
According to Bloomberg, Pakistan had negotiated safe passage with Iran for the Al Mayeda, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel carrying LNG from Qatar bound for the Strait of Hormuz when it was attacked on Friday, despite Iranian authorities reportedly having given the go-ahead hours earlier. Following the attack, the vessel turned around and headed back toward the Persian Gulf. India's Minister of Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that the vessel was targeted in a projectile attack and that all 25 crew members, including six Indians, were safe.
Context of Attacks in the Region
The incident occurred after two attacks on suezmax tankers on the preceding Thursday and Friday. According to data from the International Maritime Organization and the UK Maritime Trade Operations cited by Qatar, more than 120 merchant vessels have been struck since the start of the war in the region.
Energy Risk for Pakistan
Bloomberg noted that, without this cargo, Pakistan could be forced to turn to the spot market, where prices are more than three times higher than pre-war levels, at a time when the country is facing an energy shortfall. LNG flows through Hormuz remained stable in October at around 30% of pre-conflict levels, and Qatar has continued sending cargoes via that route since September, including on older vessels that help reduce the additional insurance costs of these voyages.
