- Location: Strait of Hormuz
- Organisation: ADNOC
- Incident: Thursday evening, August 13, 2026
- Who is affected: Vessel crews, ADNOC operations and commercial shipping using the Strait
- Business impact: Increased maritime security and shipping risks could affect energy logistics and international trade
- What’s next: The UAE has called for attacks to stop and for the Strait of Hormuz to be completely and unconditionally reopened
What happened to the ADNOC vessels?
The UAE has condemned an attack on two ADNOC-affiliated vessels while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz on the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a “hostile Iranian attack” and said it was a serious violation of international maritime principles.
ADNOC separately confirmed that two of its vessels had been attacked while passing through the strategic waterway. The company said no injuries were reported and that the situation had been brought under control.
ADNOC did not publicly disclose the names of the vessels, details of their cargoes or the extent of any damage.
The company also urged people to rely on official sources and avoid sharing rumours or unverified information.
Did anyone get injured in the ADNOC vessel attack?
No injuries were reported. Both the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ADNOC confirmed that there were no reported injuries following the August 13 incident.
ADNOC said the safety and wellbeing of seafarers remain a priority, while also stressing the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security.
The latest incident adds to wider concerns about the safety of commercial vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has faced heightened security risks during the regional crisis.
Why did the UAE condemn Iran over the attack?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident was a “flagrant violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which addresses freedom of navigation and rejects attacks on commercial vessels and obstruction of international maritime routes.
The resolution, adopted in March 2026, came amid growing concerns over attacks and threats affecting merchant shipping in and around the Strait.
The UAE ministry also accused Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of using commercial shipping and the Strait as a means of economic pressure.
The UAE’s position is that commercial vessels should be able to travel through international maritime routes without being targeted or obstructed.
Importantly, the description of the incident as an Iranian attack reflects the official UAE position. Details about the incident, including the nature of the attack and any vessel damage, remain limited in the information publicly released by ADNOC.
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, particularly for energy exports from Gulf countries.
For the UAE, the waterway is important because it connects the region’s energy industry with international markets. Disruptions can also affect shipping schedules, freight costs, maritime insurance and wider supply chains.
The International Maritime Organization has reported dozens of maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East region during 2026. Its July update recorded 62 confirmed incidents and 17 seafarer fatalities in the region.
The IMO has repeatedly called for commercial ships and their crews to be protected and for freedom of navigation to be maintained.
Could the attack affect UAE trade and energy shipments?
The immediate incident did not result in reported injuries, but repeated attacks on commercial vessels can create wider challenges for energy companies and shipping operators.
Higher security risks can lead to increased insurance and operating costs. Shipping companies may also reassess routes, schedules and the risks involved in sending vessels through affected areas.
For ADNOC, maritime security is particularly significant because the company is one of the UAE’s major energy producers and exporters.
ADNOC has also been strengthening its shipping capabilities. In July, the company acquired five very large crude carriers for around $590 million, while additional vessels have been ordered as energy transportation patterns have been reshaped by regional security concerns.
ADNOC Logistics & Services has also reported stronger market conditions for shipping, with higher charter rates contributing to improved financial expectations for 2026.
This means the Strait’s security situation has implications not only for individual vessels but also for the broader energy transportation network.
Is the Strait of Hormuz fully open?
The UAE is calling for the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the wider security situation continues to affect maritime operations in the region.
The International Maritime Organization has been monitoring the situation and previously established a voluntary framework to help vessels and seafarers leave the Gulf safely during periods of heightened risk.
Between June 23 and June 26, the framework helped facilitate the evacuation of 136 vessels and around 2,900 seafarers, according to the IMO. The operation is currently paused.
The latest developments mean shipping companies and vessel operators continue to monitor official security guidance before making operational decisions.
Why does the ADNOC vessel attack matter to UAE residents?
The incident is primarily a maritime security issue, but its effects can extend beyond the shipping industry.
For people living in the UAE, the main areas to watch are:
- Energy prices: Prolonged disruption around a major energy route can influence global oil and gas markets.
- Trade costs: Higher shipping and insurance costs can affect international goods movement.
- Business: UAE companies connected to logistics, energy and international trade may face higher operating risks.
- Seafarer safety: Commercial crews remain directly exposed to maritime security threats.
- Global supply chains: Continued disruption can create delays and additional costs for businesses importing and exporting goods.
At present, there is no indication from the official statements that the latest incident has caused a direct disruption to everyday services in the UAE.
What happens next after the ADNOC vessel attack?
The UAE has called on Iran to halt attacks, commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
ADNOC, meanwhile, has stressed the importance of protecting its crews and maintaining maritime security.
Further developments will depend on the security situation in and around the Strait, as well as decisions by governments, shipping companies and international maritime authorities.
For now, the key confirmed points are that two ADNOC-affiliated vessels were attacked on August 13, no injuries were reported, and the UAE has strongly condemned the incident.
FAQs
What happened to the ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz?
Two ADNOC-affiliated vessels were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on August 13, 2026. ADNOC said the situation was brought under control and no injuries were reported.
Did the UAE confirm that Iran attacked the vessels?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as a hostile Iranian attack. This is the UAE government’s official position on the incident.
Were the ADNOC vessels damaged?
ADNOC confirmed the attack but did not publicly provide detailed information about damage to the vessels.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important to the UAE?
The Strait is a major route for energy shipments and international maritime trade. Its security is therefore important to the UAE’s energy exports, shipping sector and wider regional trade.
Is the Strait of Hormuz fully open?
The UAE is calling for the Strait to be completely and unconditionally reopened. Maritime activity continues to be affected by the wider regional security situation.
The UAE has strongly condemned the reported Iranian attack on two ADNOC-affiliated vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while ADNOC has confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The incident highlights the continuing risks facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The UAE is calling for an immediate end to attacks and the full reopening of the waterway, while maritime authorities continue to monitor the situation.
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