Hormuz traffic is up. So are the attacks
USO•October was the busiest month for Gulf LNG exports since the Iran war began, with 31 tankers carrying cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, up from 23 in September. It was also the worst month for ship attacks, with 37 vessels hit.
1. Traffic and attacks rise
LNG exports from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz increased in October, with 31 tankers carrying cargo out of the strait, compared with 23 in September. LNG traffic from the UAE has returned to prewar levels, while Qatar's is just over 30% of its prewar level, an S&P Global Energy analyst said. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy counted 37 vessels hit in October, the most in a month since the Iran war began.
2. Crews and coastlines at risk
A review of International Maritime Organization data found 11 supertankers had been damaged by October 23. The IMO has confirmed 130 incidents, mostly attacks, since the conflict began, with at least 25 seafarers killed. Hiring costs have tripled, and captains can earn three times their prewar pay, but many sailors quit after one trip, a shipper said.
3. Oil slick threatens water intake
Oil leaking from the damaged tanker Gem No.2 has closed beaches across the northern emirates. The UAE gets more than 80% of its drinking water from desalination plants, and maritime intelligence firm Windward said the slick threatened the seawater intake of the Naqa'a plant. Verified footage showed the slick about 2 km from the plant; no shutdowns have been announced.
