Container Shipping Hit by Wave of Middle East Attacks

The loss of GFS Pride has brought the danger to Gulf container services into sharp focus, following attacks on four containerships this week.

The Singapore-registered vessel was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on 13 October. A fire broke out before the ship eventually sank, although all 21 people aboard were evacuated safely. Containers left floating near Ras Shaykh Masud have added a further navigational risk for ships using the waterway.

Two other containerships came under attack that day. GFS Giselle, also registered in Singapore, suffered hull damage but made its own way to a safe anchorage, with all 22 crew uninjured. The Marshall Islands-registered Al Saadiyat was able to carry on with its journey, with no casualties or significant damage reported.

The fourth vessel, Indian-registered DP World Kaveri, was struck on 11 October. One seafarer was injured and the ship sustained damage.

Tankers have also been caught in the escalation. Six attacks since 10 October appear on the International Maritime Organization’s confirmed incident list, while maritime security sources reported a seventh on 13 October.

Separately, the dry bulk carrier Cape Dao sank this week after remaining afloat for around three weeks following its 23 September attack. That incident claimed one life, with 26 crew evacuated.

Elsewhere, the gradual return to the Red Sea–Suez corridor continues. Container capacity using the canal climbed above half its pre-disruption level in early October as more services moved away from the longer passage around southern Africa.

For Gulf shipments, changing security conditions could disrupt sailing schedules and delivery plans.

Croft Cargo is following developments closely and assessing the implications for customers. Contact our team to discuss any upcoming shipments, alternative routing options where needed and practical ways to manage disruption.

‍

‍