Kuwaiti VLCC Al-Salmi Attacked and Ablaze at Dubai Port Anchorage

The Kuwait-flagged VLCC Al-Salmi (319,660 DWT, IMO unknown) was attacked by Iranian forces and set ablaze while at anchor approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of Dubai Port in the early hours of March 31, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) confirmed. The attack occurred at approximately 0010 local time.

KPC reported hull damage, an onboard fire, and a potential oil spill in surrounding waters. Emergency response and firefighting teams were mobilised and are working to contain the situation in coordination with UAE authorities. No crew injuries have been reported. A technical damage assessment is underway.

Al-Salmi is owned and operated by Kuwait Oil Tanker Co (KOTC) and was fully loaded at the time of the attack. The vessel was built in 2011. According to ShipAtlas, Al-Salmi was broadcasting a Chinese destination (CHINA CARGO, CN QDG) on AIS at the time of the incident, a documented tactic employed by vessels seeking to reduce Iranian targeting risk.

The attack marks the second strike on a KOTC vessel in the Gulf this month. On March 17, the Kuwaiti LPG carrier Gas Al Ahmadiah sustained structural damage from an unknown projectile while at anchor 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah. Kuwaiti port infrastructure at Shuwaikh and Mubarak Al Kabeer Port on Bubiyan Island was also struck by missiles and drones on March 27.

UKMTO has confirmed the incident. Firefighting and damage control operations are ongoing.