Four Greek-linked tankers were reportedly struck over the weekend in two of the world’s most critical shipping corridors, marking a significant escalation in maritime security risks.
The incidents occurred in the Russian Black Sea port area and the Red Sea, according to reports from Brecorder and Business Day.
This development comes as traders are already grappling with heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where a series of attacks on commercial vessels has intensified uncertainty around one of the globe’s most vital energy transit routes.
The simultaneous targeting of vessels in distinct geographic zones suggests a widening scope of maritime threats, moving beyond the concentrated risk in the Persian Gulf.
While some tankers continue to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, the broader exposure of shipping lanes is likely to weigh on freight rates and insurance premiums.
Crude oil prices had already surged earlier in the week following reports of missile attacks on tankers in the Hormuz, reflecting market sensitivity to any disruption in energy flows.
This latest round of attacks adds to the growing list of geopolitical headwinds facing the shipping industry.
The Houthis recently declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, further escalating risks in the Red Sea corridor.