A drone strike that triggered fires on two gas vessels at Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta has raised new concerns over the safety of shipping routes near the Suez Canal amid the escalating US-Iran conflict.
Egypt’s Cabinet said an unidentified drone was responsible for the attack, which occurred a day earlier at the port located near the strategic waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
No group has claimed responsibility for the strike, while Iran has denied involvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Egypt’s security remained important and accused parties of attempting to create instability in the region through alleged false-flag operations.
The drone reportedly struck the US-owned gas storage tanker Energos Winter, causing a fire that later spread to another vessel, according to individuals familiar with the incident.
The latest development has intensified concerns over energy security, particularly as the Suez Canal and the nearby SUMED pipeline have become increasingly important routes for Saudi oil exports amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy chokepoint between Oman and Iran, previously handled around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before shipping activity was severely affected by the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran-aligned Houthi forces have declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, opening another front in the conflict and prompting increased security concerns for vessels operating in the Red Sea region.
Saudi Arabia has also announced plans to establish a multinational maritime defence coalition aimed at protecting international shipping lanes and energy supply routes.
Energy analysts said the attack in Egyptian waters highlighted the vulnerability of alternative export routes used by Saudi Arabia and other countries affected by disruptions in the region.
Data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed that more Saudi oil shipments have been redirected north through the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal and SUMED pipeline. However, shipments heading to Asian markets now face longer journeys around Africa due to restrictions on traditional routes.
The latest incidents in Egypt and Iraq have increased fears that the widening conflict could involve more countries across the Middle East, further threatening global energy and shipping networks.
