Limpet mines hit oil tanker Louise 1 in Strait of Hormuz; explosives brought by small boat

Concern over the safety of oil tankers has become serious once again in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes. It has emerged that limpet mines, a special type of magnetic explosive, were used to attack ships.

On October 29, two limpet mines were attached to the Panama-flagged oil tanker 'Louise 1'. The explosions set fire to the vessel's engine room and left it disabled for some time. The crew on board are reported to be safe.

Limpet mines are explosives that are stuck with the help of magnets to the underside of a ship's hull or to other metal parts. They are attached by going close to the vessel, and can then be detonated through a particular mechanism. Such an attack risks damaging the ship's engine system, fuel storage and other vital areas. Even if the ship does not sink completely, its ability to carry cargo can be brought to a halt.

A preliminary investigation has found that a small boat was used in the attack to take the explosives close to the ship. The speed and movement of small boats can make it difficult for large vessels to keep watch on them. The risk of such attacks rises further in a narrow and crowded sea route like Hormuz. However, there is as yet no independent confirmation that Iran was behind this particular attack.

The Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for global energy trade, and a large share of the world's crude oil moves through it. If attacks on ships in the area increase, the cost of oil transport, insurance premiums and crude oil prices are likely to rise.

The incident brings three points into sharp focus. The first is explosives that are stuck to the underside of ships. The second is the security challenge created by the use of small boats. The third is the possible impact on the global oil market.

After the attack on 'Louise 1', concern has grown over the safety of merchant ships using this route. Against the backdrop of the conflict between Iran and the United States, conditions on this sea route have become even more sensitive.