Riviera – News Content Hub

Two LNG vessels have reportedly been subject to attack by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Egyptian port of Damietta. 

The port, on the Mediterranean, is a strategic hub for the liquefaction and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and houses an LNG plant along with a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminal.

While no official confirmation of the attacks has surfaced, multiple maritime security agencies have reported on and named the vessels involved, with reports indicating all crew on board both vessels are safe and accounted for. The vessels have both reportedly been moved outside the port, with crews and fire services fighting fires on board the vessels. The vessels were said by multiple sources to have been hit during cargo discharge operations between an LNG carrier and an FSRU. 

Greece-based Marisks said Egyptian authorities “responded rapidly, bringing the incident under control and relocating the affected vessels outside the port”, citing multiple industry sources and international news agency Reuters in naming the FSRU involved as US-owned Energos Winter, “with the fire spreading to a second vessel”. 

UK-based Vanguard Tech said the second vessel involved in the reported attack was the Greek-owned LNG carrier Gaslog Salem. Vanguard indicated that both vessels had been struck by an unidentified projectile, with Gaslog Salem reportedly struck on the starboard side near the “No 2 forward cargo tanks”.

UK-based Ambrey indicated the fires were connected, and said “at least one UAV” was involved. 

Marisks said “the incident represents a significant escalation as it marks the first reported attack affecting Egypt’s Mediterranean LNG export infrastructure since the current regional conflict intensified”.

“At present, there is no confirmed attribution for the incident. While reports indicate a possible drone strike, no state, state-like (Houthis) or non-state actor has claimed responsibility, and Egyptian authorities have not released an official determination regarding the cause,” Marisks analysis said.

Marisks indicated disruption to LNG export operations at Damietta port would be temporary, and cited port authorities in stating that operations at unaffected berths and terminals would resume overnight (29-30 July) while the LNG terminal remains under assessment.