Fresh attack rocks Strait of Hormuz, injures eight crew on CMA CGM vessel

By Ambrose Ochiabuto 

Global shipping risks intensified on Tuesday after a container vessel operated by French shipping giant CMA CGM came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leaving eight crew members injured and raising fresh concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical trade corridors.

The attacked vessel, San Antonio, was struck during transit through the strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, according to CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container shipping company.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company confirmed that several crew members sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment following the incident. The company, however, declined to provide further operational details.

The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) said the attack marked the 32nd reported maritime security incident since hostilities linked to the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated in the region.

The latest strike adds to mounting instability in the Strait of Hormuz, where hundreds of commercial vessels remain stranded or are facing severe delays amid security threats, disrupted navigation, and heightened military activity.

The narrow waterway handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipments and remains a major route for containerised cargo, refined petroleum products, and bulk commodities destined for markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa, including Nigeria.

Shipping analysts warn that continued attacks could worsen freight disruptions, push up war risk insurance premiums, and trigger fresh increases in global energy and logistics costs.

The development comes barely 24 hours after the United States launched a naval escort operation aimed at helping commercial vessels safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation initially enabled two U.S.-flagged vessels to exit the Gulf under military protection. However, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the escort initiative would be temporarily paused amid ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said both sides were nearing an initial framework agreement that could potentially ease regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has issued a revised maritime control map expanding the zone it considers under its jurisdiction in the Strait, a move likely to heighten navigational uncertainty for global carriers.

Despite one separate CMA CGM-operated vessel reportedly exiting the Gulf safely, the attack on San Antonio underscores the growing dangers facing commercial shipping in the region.

For African economies heavily reliant on Gulf-linked energy imports and maritime supply chains, prolonged instability in Hormuz could translate into higher fuel costs, cargo delays, and wider inflationary pressures.