Ship Burns in Strait of Hormuz After Being Hit by Projectile, Abu Dhabi Gas Facility Shut Down

Security tensions along vital global shipping lanes have intensified once again. A ship was reported to have been hit by an “unidentified projectile” on Wednesday night off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), near the Strait of Hormuz. This incident sparked a severe fire on board the vessel and adds to the long list of maritime disruptions since the conflict in the region erupted.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 11 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, UAE. “The vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile, resulting in a fire on board,” stated the maritime security authority in the early hours of Thursday (19/3/2026).

To date, more than 20 vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, have reported various security incidents around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman since the war began.

The impact of this military escalation has also spilled over to land. Abu Dhabi authorities were forced to halt operations at the Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field following the fall of debris from a missile interception.

“Abu Dhabi authorities are handling the incident at the Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field caused by the fall of debris from a successful missile interception,” wrote the UAE capital’s media office via the X platform. Although the facilities have been temporarily closed, authorities assured that there were no casualties in this incident.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the attack and pointed to Iran as the responsible party. “These attacks represent a serious escalation and a violation of the principles of international law,” emphasised the ministry in its official statement.

This tension comes just one day after Iran issued a stern warning. Tehran threatened to destroy the oil and gas industries of Gulf countries, which it views as US interests, if their energy sector is attacked again.

The warning followed an attack on Iran’s South Pars field, the world’s largest gas reserve. This threat now overshadows the stability of global energy supplies, given the strategic position of the Strait of Hormuz as the main route for distributing the world’s crude oil.

For now, maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation in the Gulf of Oman and urge transiting vessels to exercise extra vigilance.