Shipping At The Spotlight Of Terrorism

Is terrorism the new norm for shipping?

THE STORY

On the 13/06/2019, two oil tankers were victim to what has been described as "sabotage" attacks in the Gulf of Oman, leaving one ablaze and both adrift. Following, a similar incident involving four tankers, which took place one month ago, on the 12^th of May, 2019.

Japan's trade ministry reported, that the two oil tankers carried "Japan-related" cargo. The timing of the attacks, was thus especially sensitive, occurring while discussions were being held between the Japanese prime minister and Iranian leadership in Tehran, in an effort to find a basis for negotiations between the US and Iran.

THE IMPACT

While the facts surrounding the incident might not be fully known at this stage, most likely the incidents would be classed as acts of terrorism.