ADNOC Vessel Attacked Again in Strait of Hormuz as Maritime Security Risks Escalate
A vessel operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, August 14, marking another serious incident involving UAE-linked commercial shipping in the strategically important waterway.
ADNOC confirmed that the vessel was attacked while passing through the strait and said the situation was brought under control. No injuries were reported. The incident came just one day after two ADNOC-affiliated vessels were attacked while transiting the same waterway, highlighting the growing security risks facing commercial shipping and seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Second ADNOC Shipping Incident in Two Days
The latest attack followed the targeting of two vessels affiliated with ADNOC on Thursday evening, August 13. The UAE said Iran was responsible for those attacks, while ADNOC confirmed that no injuries occurred and that the situation was contained.
The repeated incidents have increased concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Disruptions in the waterway can have consequences for commercial shipping, energy transportation, freight operations and international trade.
UAE Condemns Attack on ADNOC Vessel
The UAE strongly condemned what it described as an Iranian attack on the ADNOC-linked vessel and called for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a means of economic coercion threatens regional stability and global energy security. The ministry also described the targeting of commercial vessels as an act of piracy by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The UAE has called on Iran to stop attacks, end hostilities and restore freedom of navigation through the waterway.
UAE Reaffirms Deterrence, Diplomacy and International Law
Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said repeated attacks on ADNOC vessels would not change the UAE’s approach based on deterrence, diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Gargash reaffirmed the UAE’s position on protecting freedom of navigation, defending its sovereignty and supporting diplomatic efforts to address regional tensions. He also stressed the importance of regional coordination on security.
Gulf and Arab Countries Condemn Attacks
The attacks have drawn condemnation from several regional governments. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the repeated targeting of UAE tankers, while Qatar also condemned the attacks on ADNOC vessels and described them as a violation of international law and freedom of maritime navigation.
The regional response reflects growing concern that continued attacks on commercial vessels could further undermine maritime security and disrupt already restricted shipping activity around the Strait of Hormuz.
UKMTO Reports Tanker Hit by UAV
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) separately reported that a tanker was struck by an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) while conducting an outbound transit of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the UKMTO warning, the vessel sustained minor damage, while its crew were safe and accounted for. No environmental impact was reported. The incident was reported on August 13 and the UKMTO issued its warning on August 14.
UKMTO continues to advise vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.
Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Remains Under Severe Pressure
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been heavily disrupted amid the continuing conflict and maritime security threats. Recent reporting indicates that vessel movements through the waterway have fallen dramatically, with oil and tanker traffic particularly affected.
The repeated attacks on commercial vessels have added another layer of uncertainty for shipowners, operators, insurers and seafarers. For shipping companies, the key concern is not only the physical safety of vessels but also the ability to maintain predictable and commercially viable voyages through the region.
US Maritime Blockade Remains in Place
The United States continues to enforce a naval blockade against Iran. US Central Command said that, as of August 14, its forces had redirected 62 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two while enforcing the blockade.
The blockade and the continuing attacks have contributed to heightened uncertainty for commercial shipping operating around the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Raises US Control of Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has also threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory. Iran has rejected the claim, adding another dimension to the already tense dispute over control, navigation and security in the waterway.
The comments come as shipping through the strait remains severely constrained and tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.
Why the ADNOC Attacks Matter
From a maritime security perspective, the repeated targeting of ADNOC-linked vessels is significant because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Any sustained threat to commercial vessels can affect voyage planning, insurance exposure, security costs, vessel routing and the reliability of regional energy transportation.
The concentration of attacks within a short period is particularly concerning for ship operators. When several commercial vessels are targeted in the same corridor, the risk extends beyond individual ships and becomes a wider question of whether the maritime route can be used safely and predictably.
For seafarers, the immediate priority remains safe passage. For shipowners and charterers, however, the situation also creates operational and financial challenges, including higher security requirements, potential delays, route adjustments and increased uncertainty over cargo movements.
Read: UAE Condemns Missile Attack on ADNOC-Linked Vessel in Strait of Hormuz
The latest ADNOC incident therefore has significance well beyond the UAE. Continued attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz could place additional pressure on regional shipping, energy markets and global supply chains.
With another ADNOC vessel targeted and UKMTO reporting a separate UAV strike on a tanker, the security situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for commercial shipping, maritime security authorities and the global energy sector.
