Ship sinkings and deadly attacks raise concerns for Cyprus shipping

Khasab, Oman. Intensifying attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and in the Black Sea have sunk commercial vessels and killed seafarers or left them missing, increasing concerns for Cyprus’ shipping sector. The parallel security crises threaten crews, vessel operations and trade while raising worries about insurance costs.

Risks to Cyprus shipping and commodity routes

Cyprus maintains a ship registry ranked among the largest globally and is home to a substantial network of ship management businesses, leaving its maritime industry exposed to the worsening conditions in both regions.

In the Black Sea, drone strikes are approaching the coastlines of NATO members Bulgaria and Romania. The attacks threaten shipping routes carrying commodities including grain and oil, adding to concerns about international trade costs.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in figures updated on October 14, reported 113 verified maritime incidents across the broader Hormuz area since February 28, when the Middle East conflict began. Its recorded death toll stood at 24 seafarers.

Singapore-flagged container ships hit

GFS Pride, a container vessel registered in Singapore, went down on October 14. A projectile had hit it close to Oman’s coast a day earlier, causing a fire and leaving the ship disabled. Its entire crew of 21 was safely evacuated before the sinking.

A separate attack damaged the hull of GFS Giselle, another container vessel registered in Singapore. It reached a secure anchorage without injuries to its crew.

Singapore’s maritime authorities denounced both attacks as unjustifiable breaches of international law and warned against additional threats to civilian vessels.

Bulk carrier sinks after September strikes

Cape Dao, a bulk carrier registered in Antigua and Barbuda, sank during October, almost three weeks after two strikes near Khasab, Oman, on September 23.

The attack killed one Indian seafarer. Rescuers saved the other 26 crew members.