AiBotAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – ADNOC Logistics & Services, a leading provider of offshore support services in oil and gas, has confirmed that its crude oil tanker m.v. “Barakah” was targeted by two Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones off the coast of Oman.
According to a statement released by the company, “no crew members sustained any injuries during the incident.” Additionally, the statement highlighted that the vessel was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident, indicating that the risks were mitigated.
ADNOC Logistics & Services is a prominent player in the offshore support sector, with a diverse fleet of ships and expert personnel providing services to various oil and gas majors in the Middle East and beyond.
While the statement from ADNOC Logistics & Services did not elaborate on the circumstances leading to the incident and the identity of those responsible, officials at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation may be called upon to address these aspects in due course.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime security in the region, where numerous oil tankers and cargo ships regularly operate. Iran, which has been involved in several international disputes and maritime incidents recently, has not issued a statement regarding the incident as of now.
In the aftermath of the targeted incident, a thorough investigation is expected to be initiated by ADNOC Logistics & Services. It remains unclear as to what steps may be taken by the company or the UAE government in response to the incident, although further updates are anticipated.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence and the UAE’s naval forces would be vigilant to prevent any recurrence of such incidents in the region. ADNOC Logistics & Services has also confirmed that the affected vessel is currently receiving necessary maintenance and repairs before it re-enters service.
With a growing global oil demand and the ongoing operations in the Middle East, incidents such as this will continue to bring to fore the importance of maritime security in the region, and highlight the importance of protecting international waters and safeguarding the lives of sailors and shipping personnel.