UAE Coast Guard Evacuates 24 Crew from ADALYNN Tanker After Collision Near Strait of Hormuz
On June 17, 2025, the United Arab Emirates Coast Guard successfully evacuated all 24 crew members from the Suezmax tanker ADALYNN, after it collided with another vessel in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 24 nautical miles off the UAE coast near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was en route to the Suez Canal and was reportedly without cargo at the time of the incident.
Following the collision, a fire occurred on deck; however, there were no casualties or fuel spillage reported. Ambrey, a British maritime security firm, confirmed that the incident was not security-related. The 24 crew members were safely transported to Khor Fakkan Port by search-and-rescue boats.
This incident adds a new dimension to the ongoing tension in the region. Since early June, escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran have led to disruptions, such as electronic interference with navigation systems, along key maritime routes in the Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, averaging about 20 million barrels per day.
The maritime sector is already witnessing repercussions. Freight rates for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) operating between the Middle East and Asia have surged over 20 percent recently, with current rates around Worldscale 55, up significantly from prior levels. Market analysts caution that this could escalate further if regional tensions intensify, particularly if Iran takes action in the strait. Insurance providers are also preparing to raise premiums by an estimated $3 to $8 per barrel to account for elevated war-risk coverage.
Major shipping firms have already begun adjusting operations accordingly. Frontline, the world’s largest publicly listed tanker company, has reportedly declined new business that involves passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing rising concerns.
In summary, while the UAE’s swift response averted loss of life, the collision involving ADALYNN underscores the compounded risk of physical accidents and electronic interference in a geopolitically volatile region. Shipowners, charterers, and insurers should prepare for persistent price volatility, route alterations, and tighter risk assessments in navigating the Gulf and Red Sea corridors.
