Qatari LNG Carrier Al Mayeda Hit by "Unidentified Objects" in the Gulf
A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier operated by Qatar Gas Transport Company was struck by "unidentified objects" while sailing in the Gulf on Friday evening, according to Al Jazeera. LNG is natural gas cooled into liquid form so it can be carried by sea in large tankers.
The vessel, the Al Mayeda, was not carrying people who were hurt. The company said none of the crew members was injured, and it reported no environmental damage from the incident. In a statement published by the Qatar Stock Exchange, the company said the ship is in "safe condition, operational" and that the impact is being assessed.
Nakilat, which describes itself as a global leader in energy transportation with one of the world's largest LNG carrier fleets, published its own statement on its website under the title "AL Mayeda – vessel incident in the Arabian Gulf". The statement confirms that the carrier was hit by unidentified objects while transiting the Arabian Gulf.
The incident adds to a growing count of attacks on commercial shipping in the region. According to data from the International Maritime Organization and UK Maritime Trade Operations, more than 120 commercial ships have been hit since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran. At least 29 ships were hit in October, compared with 20 attacks recorded in March.
Shipping in the area has also been shaped by restrictions on Iran's trade. The United States reimposed a blockade on Iran's southern ports in July, meaning a restriction on ships entering or leaving those harbours.
The Gulf is also central to Qatar's gas exports. QatarEnergy has extended force majeure on LNG cargoes to Italy's Edison until the end of December 2026. Force majeure is a contract clause that allows a supplier to suspend deliveries when events beyond its control prevent them.
