Gas
Attacks on vessels reported near UAE and Yemen
Recent maritime incidents near the United Arab Emirates and Yemen highlight ongoing security risks for commercial energy shipping lanes.
Key points
- A tugboat was struck by two unidentified projectiles off the UAE coast, causing minor injury and damage.
- An LNG tanker near Yemen was fired upon by a small boat before its security team deployed warning shots.
- UKMTO reports that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below pre-conflict levels.
What happened
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a tugboat traveling near the United Arab Emirates was struck by two unidentified projectiles, resulting in one minor injury and vessel damage. In a separate event off the coast of Yemen, a small craft approached an LNG tanker and fired two shots. The tanker's armed security team responded by firing two warning shots, which caused the small boat to alter its course, Turkey Today reported.
Why it matters
These maritime incidents occur as commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains approximately 70 percent below pre-conflict levels. UKMTO data cited by Turkey Today shows that the agency has documented numerous attacks on vessels since the conflict began in late February, threatening critical global energy and commodity transport routes despite a series of diplomatic efforts and ceasefires.
What comes next
Maritime authorities have advised vessels transiting the region to exercise heightened caution and report all suspicious activities. Investigators are working to determine responsibility for the recent attacks as ongoing tensions continue to impact regional trade and navigation safety.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
69.6% of electricity in United Arab Emirates came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
