Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Carrying 1 Million Barrels of Oil Hit by Explosives Near Hormuz Strait
A Panama-flagged oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on October 29, triggering a fire in its engine room and temporarily disabling the vessel. The tanker, LOUISE 1, had previously been targeted by Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea in July 2026.
According to Reuters on October 30, citing maritime security sources, the attack occurred approximately 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) northeast of Khasab, Oman, near one of the world’s most important maritime oil transportation routes. A small boat reportedly approached the tanker, allowing unidentified individuals to attach two limpet mines to its port side. The explosions sparked a fire in the engine room, temporarily disabling the vessel.
All 27 Indian crew members escaped injury. The fire was extinguished, and the tanker later resumed its voyage. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. According to OSINT analysts, LOUISE 1 was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil, although the cargo details remain unverified.
Vessel Details and Russian Connections
The Panama-flagged Suezmax tanker, built in 2004, has a deadweight capacity of approximately 159,000 metric tons. According to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data, the vessel made 36 visits to Russian ports since May 2020, including Primorsk, Novorossiysk, and Ust-Luga. The tanker is owned by Panama-based Aquarius Maritime Ventures SA, operated by UAE-based PRY Shipping LLC, and technically managed by India’s Anagha Ship Management.
Its last available AIS signal in the reviewed records was recorded near Khor Fakkan, UAE, on September 28, 2026, leaving its movements immediately before the attack unclear. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported that LOUISE 1 transported nearly 735,000 barrels of Russian Urals crude in February 2026, more than 1 million barrels to India in March, and another shipment exceeding 1 million barrels in May, including oil associated with Lukoil.
Sanctions and Previous Attacks
Ukraine sanctioned the tanker on February 12, 2026, over its involvement in Russian oil exports. OSINT analysts also linked the vessel to Iranian oil shipments, reporting that it received approximately 4.65 million barrels through 16 ship-to-ship transfers in 2024. The October attack was the tanker’s second reported strike in 2026, following a Ukrainian naval drone attack in the Black Sea in July. Those responsible for the latest incident remain unidentified.
The attack highlights concerns over the security of global oil transportation routes and the increasing use of explosives as a means of disrupting maritime trade. As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, the role of shadow fleets and tanker attacks remains a critical aspect of international relations and energy security.
Original Article: Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Carrying 1 Million Barrels of Oil Hit by Explosives Near Hormuz Strait — UNITED24 Media — United24Media