First Chinese Oil Tanker Attack Reported Near Strait of Hormuz Since US-Iran Conflict Began

A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was hit by an attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to Chinese media outlet Caixin.

The report said the vessel’s deck caught fire during the incident. It also stated that the ship carried the marking “CHINA OWNER & CREW”.

There was no confirmation on whether any crew members were injured.

A person with knowledge of the matter told Caixin that this was the first reported case of a Chinese oil tanker being attacked.

The incident comes at a time when traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted.

According to the report, shipping movement through the waterway has been at a virtual standstill since the Iran conflict began on 28 February.

The strait is a critical global energy corridor, with around 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies passing through it.

Maritime security sources identified the damaged vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged oil products and chemical tanker JV Innovation, which reportedly informed nearby ships of a fire on its deck while transiting the area.

The incident is believed to have taken place off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Gulf near Mina Saqr, according to the report.

The disruption follows instability in the region, with hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers reportedly stranded in the Gulf due to restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz following renewed attacks on ships.

The report added that China continues to be a major buyer of Iranian oil, which has been affected by a United States blockade in the Gulf of Oman.

China’s foreign ministry did not respond to an out-of-hours request for comment.

On the same day as the reported attack, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would begin efforts to assist ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the plan was suspended a day later after Iran reportedly responded with drone and missile attacks targeting ships and neighbouring areas, particularly the United Arab Emirates.

Separately, CMA CGM, the world’s second-largest container shipping operator, said its container vessel San Antonio was attacked on 6 May while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The company reported crew injuries and damage to the vessel.

References: Reuters, Caixin Global