Qatar natural gas tanker damaged by unidentified objects in Gulf

A liquefied natural gas tanker operated by the Qatar Gas Transport Company was struck by unknown projectiles in the Gulf on Friday evening, according to maritime operators and Qatari authorities.

The vessel, identified as the Al Mayeda, sustained an impact from unidentified objects while navigating regional waters. In a corporate statement shared via the Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday, the shipping firm confirmed that the crew escaped without injury, no ecological harm occurred, and the carrier remains operational and in a safe condition while officials evaluate the extent of the damage.

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, describing the strike as a perilous development that jeopardizes commercial navigation and global energy distribution. Officials in Doha emphasized that investigations are underway to uncover the origin of the attack and hold those responsible accountable, noting that the country maintains the right to defend its assets and interests.

The strike marks the latest in an expanding campaign against merchant vessels across the region following the eruption of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year. More than 120 commercial vessels have been targeted since hostilities began in February, based on statistics compiled by the UK Maritime Trade Operations and the International Maritime Organization.

Maritime risks have surged dramatically since Iranian authorities moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, issuing recurring threats that unauthorized traffic navigating the vital chokepoint could face total destruction. Hostilities at sea escalated further after Washington restored a naval blockade targeting southern Iranian harbors in July.

Security records show that attacks reached a new peak in October, when at least 29 commercial ships were struck, making it the most dangerous month for regional shipping since March, which previously saw 20 reported assaults. Alongside transporting gas, the Qatar Gas Transport Company provides tugboat assistance and essential marine support operations across Qatari maritime terminals.