Hapag-Lloyd's Source Blessing was hit by shrapnel near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting shipping companies to reassess operations in the region.
The Hapag-Lloyd Liberian-flagged 3,200-TEU Source Blessing was hit by fragments from an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, reports Bangalore's MarineInsight. Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that the vessel was struck by debris rather than a direct hit. The ship is owned by a Chinese leasing company and sub-chartered to Maersk.
The incident occurred about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali, Dubai. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the master's account of the strike. A full inspection was expected after daylight. DP World stated that Jebel Ali Port remained fully operational, though cargo volumes have dropped.
Maritime security reports indicate that at least 19 commercial vessels have been attacked since the conflict began, with seven damaged in a 24-hour period prior to the latest incident. Other ships in the Gulf have also reported fragment strikes, including Mitsui OSK Lines' ONE Majesty.
Rising risks have prompted shipping companies to review their operations. Hapag-Lloyd earlier suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Maersk reported that about 10 of its ships are stuck in the region, while Japan's transport ministry indicated that 45 vessels linked to Japan are stranded in Gulf waters.
Industry officials noted that even if a ceasefire is reached, it could take one to ten days for shipping operations to return to normal, depending on security conditions.
