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Woodside highlights sustainability strategy at 2026 briefing

Australian energy major Woodside Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible energy production and long-term sustainability during its Woodside Sustainability Briefing 2026, held in Perth.

During the briefing, Acting Chief Executive Officer Liz Westcott emphasised that sustainability remains central to the company’s business strategy and its ability to generate long-term value for shareholders.

Sustainability linked to business performance

Westcott said the Woodside energy sustainability strategy is designed not only to support environmental and social goals but also to enhance operational performance and long-term profitability.

According to the company, its sustainability priorities are closely integrated with corporate decision-making and operational planning across its global projects.

“Our performance is supported by strong governance and risk management at the Board and senior management levels,” Westcott said during the briefing.

She added that the company aims to provide the energy the world needs while ensuring responsible and sustainable operations.

Governance and risk management highlighted

A key theme of the Woodside Sustainability Briefing 2026 was the role of corporate governance in supporting sustainability goals.

The company said its governance framework ensures environmental, climate and operational risks are closely monitored at both board and senior management levels.

This approach, the company said, helps build a resilient and profitable business model while maintaining accountability to shareholders and stakeholders.

Climate and sustainability reports released

As part of its broader sustainability disclosures, Woodside released its Sustainability Report as part of the company’s Annual Report earlier this year.

The company also published its 2025 Climate and Sustainability Summary on February 24, 2026, outlining its progress on emissions reduction, climate strategy, and sustainability initiatives.

The reports provide insights into the company’s environmental commitments, governance structures and efforts to support communities in regions where it operates.

Focus on long-term value creation

Westcott said the company’s strategy focuses on balancing energy supply needs with responsible environmental stewardship.

By integrating sustainability into its corporate strategy, Woodside aims to strengthen its long-term competitiveness while delivering value for shareholders and supporting the communities where it operates.

Industry analysts say sustainability strategies are increasingly important for global energy companies as investors and regulators demand greater transparency on climate and environmental performance.

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Oil prices surge as Trump seeks coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz

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Global oil prices continued their sharp climb on Monday as markets reacted to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption, one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world.

Benchmark Brent Crude briefly surged above $106 per barrel on Sunday before easing slightly in early trading. As of 04:30 GMT, Brent was trading around $104.63 per barrel, representing a gain of nearly 1.5 percent.

The Brent crude price surge reflects growing fears that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz may remain blocked for an extended period, threatening global energy supplies.

Trump pushes coalition to reopen key oil route

Amid the deepening global oil supply crisis, Donald Trump has called on major powers to form a coalition aimed at restoring safe passage through the strategic waterway.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump urged several countries—including China, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom—to deploy naval forces to escort commercial ships.

The proposal, often referred to as the Trump Hormuz coalition plan, has so far received a cautious response. None of the countries mentioned have publicly committed to sending naval vessels to secure the waterway.

Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad future” if the proposal fails to receive support.

Iran shipping blockade halts oil traffic

The crisis escalated after Iran effectively halted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for recent strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

The Strait of Hormuz disruption is particularly significant because the narrow waterway normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

According to the International Energy Agency, the shutdown represents the largest disruption to global energy supplies in modern history.

Energy analysts say the blockade has already pushed global oil prices more than 40 percent higher since the war began in late February.

Shipping traffic plunges dramatically

Data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) shows how dramatically shipping has declined in the region.

Before the conflict, the strait handled an average of 138 ships per day. Since the war began, the number has dropped to fewer than five vessels daily.

The UKMTO has also reported at least 16 commercial ships attacked in the region since February 28, raising concerns among shipping companies and insurers.

US considering naval escorts

The Trump administration has repeatedly said it is prepared to deploy the United States Navy to escort commercial vessels through the waterway if necessary.

However, officials indicated that such operations may not begin immediately. According to administration sources, warships are expected to be deployed only after Iran’s military capabilities have been further weakened.

If the shipping disruption continues, economists warn the global oil supply crisis could push fuel prices even higher worldwide, potentially slowing economic growth and increasing inflation in energy-importing nations.

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Emirates flight returns to Kochi after Dubai airport closure amid West Asia conflict impact

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An Emirates passenger flight bound for Dubai was forced to return to **Kochi on Monday morning after authorities suddenly announced a Dubai airport closure following a reported security incident.

The aircraft, operating as Emirates flight EK533, was carrying 325 passengers when it turned back mid-journey and landed safely at Cochin International Airport, according to airport officials.

Emirates flight EK533 forced to return after take-off

Flight EK533, scheduled to travel from Kochi to Dubai, departed at 4:30 a.m. IST on March 16, 2026. However, several hours into the journey, the flight crew was informed about the Dubai airport closure triggered by a security alert linked to rising West Asia conflict impact.

Following instructions from air traffic control, the aircraft aborted its journey and headed back to Kochi.

The plane landed safely at around 8:30 a.m., roughly four hours after take-off, airport authorities confirmed.

Dubai airport closure linked to regional tensions

Although officials have not yet released full details of the incident, early reports suggest the Dubai airport security incident may be connected to heightened tensions in **West Asia amid the ongoing conflict involving **Iran and **Israel.

The Dubai airport closure temporarily disrupted several international flights, forcing airlines to either divert aircraft or delay departures.

Passengers safe after Kochi to Dubai flight return

Airport authorities confirmed that all 325 passengers and crew members on the Kochi-Dubai route remained safe following the Kochi to Dubai flight return.

Ground staff at Cochin International Airport assisted passengers after landing, while airline officials began making arrangements for further travel depending on when Dubai operations resume.

West Asia conflict impact spreads to aviation sector

The West Asia conflict impact has increasingly affected aviation routes across the region, as airlines monitor airspace restrictions and security advisories.

Flight disruptions, rerouting, and airport shutdowns have become more frequent in recent weeks as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Aviation analysts say airlines operating routes between India and the Gulf may face further disruptions if the regional situation deteriorates.

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Pakistan Afghanistan Shelling Leaves Children Dead As Border Clashes Intensify

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Pakistan Afghanistan shelling intensifies along eastern border

The latest Pakistan Afghanistan shelling has reportedly killed several civilians, including children, according to the Taliban administration in Kabul, escalating concerns about a widening conflict along the volatile frontier between the two countries.

Taliban authorities said artillery and mortar fire from across the border struck a village in eastern Afghanistan early Thursday, killing four members of a nomadic family in Khost province. The victims reportedly included two children, a girl and a boy, along with an adult man and woman. Officials said three additional children were injured during the same shelling incident.

The Taliban government accused Pakistani forces of targeting civilian areas during the latest Afghanistan border clashes, claiming that residential homes and tents used by nomadic communities were hit during the bombardment. The provincial administration in Khost confirmed the death toll reported by Taliban officials.

Afghanistan border clashes raise regional security fears

The deadly Pakistan Afghanistan shelling incident has intensified concerns about deteriorating relations between the two neighboring countries, whose border has long been a flashpoint for militant activity and military confrontations.

The Taliban’s deputy government spokesman reportedly said the attack occurred in the village of Sadqo and accused Pakistan of deliberately striking civilian targets. The spokesperson explained that the shelling resulted in the deaths of multiple family members and injuries to several children who were living in temporary nomadic shelters.

The Taliban government said the recent deaths increased the toll from cross-border violence to seven civilians killed in Afghanistan since earlier this week. Local medical sources cited by international media agencies reportedly confirmed the casualty figures from earlier clashes.

Pakistan Taliban conflict fueling cross-border violence

The ongoing Pakistan Taliban conflict has been widely viewed by analysts as a major factor behind the surge in Afghanistan border clashes. Tensions between the two countries escalated sharply on February 26 when Afghan forces reportedly launched retaliatory operations along the border after Pakistan carried out air strikes targeting militants linked to the Pakistan Taliban.

Security analysts specializing in South Asian geopolitics have noted that militant networks operating near the border have complicated relations between Islamabad and Kabul for decades. Experts from regional security research institutes say both governments accuse each other of allowing militant groups to operate across the frontier, which frequently leads to artillery exchanges and military operations.

Pakistan, however, has rejected allegations that it deliberately targets civilians during these operations. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad reportedly stated that the country conducts carefully planned strikes against militant targets and follows procedures designed to avoid civilian casualties during the Pakistan Afghanistan shelling incidents.

Regional tensions rise amid broader geopolitical conflicts

The latest Afghanistan border clashes are occurring at a time of growing geopolitical instability across the region. Military confrontations between Iran, Israel, and the United States have heightened fears that local conflicts could spill over into a broader regional crisis.

Strategic analysts warn that instability along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border could further complicate regional security, particularly if militant groups exploit the unrest to expand their operations. Experts from international security think tanks suggest that sustained Pakistan Afghanistan shelling could worsen humanitarian conditions in already vulnerable border communities.

Observers say the deaths of civilians, especially children, could increase pressure on both governments to pursue diplomatic engagement in order to prevent the conflict from escalating further. However, continued hostilities linked to the Pakistan Taliban conflict suggest that tensions along the border may persist in the near future.

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LPG and Oil Crisis LIVE: Russia Pressures U.S. Over Oil Sanctions Amid Global Energy Concerns

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New Delhi: Global energy markets remained volatile on Friday as oil prices hovered around the $100-per-barrel mark, while equities in several markets declined amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns over energy supply disruptions.

The developments come as Iran’s leadership called for blocking the critical Strait of Hormuz and expanding the conflict with the United States and Israel, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Russia Pressures U.S. Over Oil Sanctions

At the same time, Russia has intensified pressure on the United States over sanctions affecting its oil exports.

Amid rising energy prices, the administration of Donald Trump issued a temporary 30-day authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The move aims to stabilise supply in global markets as the conflict involving Iran continues with no immediate signs of easing.

Oil Prices Stay Near $100

Despite easing slightly in early trading on Friday (March 13), oil prices continued to trade near the closely watched $100 per barrel level, reflecting market anxiety over potential disruptions to shipping routes in the Gulf region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, carrying a significant portion of global crude shipments.

India Assures Stable Oil Supply

Addressing Parliament on Thursday (March 12), Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s crude oil supply position remains stable despite the crisis.

He noted that before the current tensions, about 45% of India’s crude imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz. However, India has significantly diversified its energy sourcing.

According to the minister:

  • Non-Hormuz crude sourcing now accounts for around 70% of imports
  • India currently imports oil from 40 countries, compared to 27 in 2006-07

Mr. Puri credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for diplomatic outreach that helped secure alternative supplies.

Opposition Protests Over LPG Shortage

Meanwhile, several opposition leaders staged protests in Parliament over reports of shortages in commercial LPG cylinders.

Among those protesting were Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who demanded an explanation from the government regarding the alleged supply issues.

Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s handling of the situation, claiming the Prime Minister was urging citizens not to panic while being concerned about “completely different reasons.”

Global Energy Concerns Rise

The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has raised alarms in global markets, particularly because any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly affect oil supply, shipping routes, and global fuel prices.

Markets remain on edge as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the global energy outlook.

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Trump Says Donald Trump Believes Mojtaba Khamenei Is Alive “In Some Form”

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US President Donald Trump said he believes Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, although he may have been seriously injured during recent strikes in Tehran.

Trump made the remarks during an interview on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio. The interview, recorded on Thursday and scheduled to air on Friday morning, comes amid growing speculation about Khamenei’s health after he has not appeared publicly since the war began.

“I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form,” Trump said.

Reports Of Severe Injuries

Speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition intensified after reports suggested he was injured during US-Israeli strikes on a compound in Tehran on February 28. The attack reportedly killed his father, Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

A report by The Sun claimed the 56-year-old cleric may have lost at least one leg and suffered serious injuries to his stomach or liver in the strike. The report also said several members of his family, including his wife, a sister, and a niece, were killed in the attack.

Ambassador Says He Was Injured

Earlier this week, Iranian ambassador Alireza Salarian said Khamenei had been wounded during the opening phase of the conflict.

“I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm… I think he is in the hospital because he is injured,” Salarian said.

First Statement Since Taking Office

Despite the reports, Mojtaba Khamenei recently issued his first public message since assuming leadership, signalling that Iran would continue its confrontation with the United States and Israel.

“We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” he said in the statement.

Khamenei also suggested Iran could close the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and continue attacks on Gulf Arab states as part of its response to the conflict. He further called on citizens in Gulf countries to “shut down” US bases, claiming American protection in the region was “nothing more than a lie.”

Questions Remain About His Condition

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the start of the war. His recent message was released only as a written statement and was not delivered in person or through a recorded video, adding to speculation about his health.

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Sudan drone attack kills students and civilians in White Nile State

A deadly Sudan drone attack has killed at least 17 people, including students, teachers and health workers, after a drone strike reportedly carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces targeted a school and a health centre in southern Sudan’s White Nile region. The White Nile State attack occurred in the village of Shukeiri on March 12, according to medical officials and local health authorities.

The RSF drone strike also left at least ten people injured, many of them civilians caught in the blast when the drone hit facilities used by students and medical workers. Doctors at nearby hospitals confirmed that victims included female students who were present at the secondary school at the time of the Sudan drone attack.

Officials from the Sudanese Doctors Network described the incident as part of a pattern of escalating violence against civilian targets in White Nile State.

RSF drone strike targets school and medical facility

Local medical authorities said the RSF drone strike struck both a secondary school and a nearby health centre in the rural village, causing casualties among civilians seeking education and healthcare. Musa Al-Majri, director of al-Duwaim Hospital, the nearest major medical facility, reported that at least ten injured people had been transported for treatment following the White Nile State attack.

According to medical responders and aid workers, the Sudan drone attack reflects an intensifying campaign by the Rapid Support Forces in areas outside the capital. Over recent days, multiple civilian sites including dormitories, power facilities and residential neighbourhoods have reportedly been hit in the region.

Humanitarian observers say the repeated targeting of civilian infrastructure raises concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law during the conflict.

Sudan civil war enters third year amid worsening humanitarian crisis

The White Nile State attack comes as Sudan’s brutal civil war approaches its third year, with fighting continuing between the Rapid Support Forces and the national army, the Sudanese Armed Forces.

After being pushed out of the capital Khartoum in March 2025, the RSF shifted its military campaign toward the Kordofan region and parts of Darfur. The group later captured the strategic city of el-Fasher, which had been one of the Sudanese army’s final strongholds in the region.

Following the fall of the city, reports emerged accusing the RSF of mass killings, abductions and widespread looting. These allegations prompted the International Criminal Court to open investigations into alleged war crimes committed by both sides in the conflict.

A recent report from the United Nations suggested that atrocities committed in Darfur show characteristics that could amount to genocide.

Millions displaced as Sudan drone attack highlights deepening crisis

The latest Sudan drone attack highlights the growing humanitarian catastrophe unfolding across the country. Aid agencies say the conflict has already killed thousands and displaced millions of civilians who have been forced to flee their homes.

According to data from the World Food Programme, more than 21 million people in Sudan currently face severe food shortages, representing nearly 41 percent of the population. Meanwhile, around 12 million people have been displaced internally or across borders due to the fighting.

Analysts warn that continued RSF drone strikes and escalating battles between rival forces could deepen the humanitarian disaster and further destabilize the region.

While international attention has recently focused on rising tensions in the Middle East, experts caution that Sudan’s war remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The White Nile State attack has once again underscored the vulnerability of civilians caught in the conflict as the war continues with no immediate political resolution in sight.

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Iran Israel war escalates as Iraq shuts oil ports after tanker attacks

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The Iran Israel war intensified on Thursday as Iraq shut down several key oil export ports following attacks on two fuel tankers in its waters, while Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes in Lebanon and across Iran-linked targets. The escalation has raised fears that the regional conflict could disrupt global energy supply chains and expand into a wider Middle East confrontation.

Authorities reported that explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iran targeted two oil tankers near Iraqi maritime territory, setting both vessels ablaze. The incident prompted Baghdad to halt operations at major export terminals as a precautionary measure, triggering concerns over global oil flows from the Gulf region.

The tanker attacks occurred amid growing hostilities between Israel and Iran, a conflict that has increasingly spilled into maritime routes and neighboring states.

Indian national killed and dozens rescued in Gulf maritime attacks

The tanker incident also affected foreign crew members, including Indian nationals working on commercial shipping vessels. Authorities confirmed that one Indian citizen died in the attacks, while rescue teams successfully evacuated 38 other crew members from the damaged ships.

Maritime security firms indicated that the vessels caught fire after being struck by explosive boats, highlighting the growing threat to commercial shipping as the Iran Israel war expands beyond direct military confrontation.

Regional navies and emergency responders were deployed to assist survivors and contain the fires on the vessels. Shipping companies operating in the Gulf are now reviewing safety procedures as attacks on maritime routes raise concerns for cargo traffic and energy shipments.

Beirut airstrikes kill seven as Israel targets Hezbollah positions

The conflict also intensified in Lebanon as Israeli forces carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on positions linked to Hezbollah following an earlier attack attributed to the group and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Officials in Beirut reported that at least seven people were killed when Israeli airstrikes struck several locations in the city and surrounding areas. Emergency crews continued rescue operations as smoke rose from damaged buildings in multiple districts.

The Israeli military indicated that the strikes were part of a broader campaign targeting Iranian-backed militant networks in the region.

Israel activates air defences as Iranian missiles detected

Meanwhile, Israel reported that air defence systems were activated after missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory. Explosions were heard across Jerusalem as interception systems attempted to neutralize incoming projectiles.

The Israeli military warned residents in affected areas to seek shelter during the missile alert. Officials stated that the launches marked another escalation in the Iran Israel war, which has already triggered multiple rounds of retaliatory strikes between the two countries.

Donald Trump warns Iran nearing defeat as conflict widens

In Washington, Donald Trump suggested that Iran was approaching a critical point in the conflict, while also warning that United States forces could intensify strikes if necessary.

According to remarks made to reporters, the US administration believes Iran is under mounting pressure but remains prepared to escalate military operations that could severely damage the country’s infrastructure.

The comments came as the United Nations Security Council debated measures aimed at preventing the Iran Israel war from spreading further across the region.

Global energy markets watch Gulf conflict closely

Analysts say the closure of Iraqi oil ports and attacks on tankers could have significant implications for global energy markets if the conflict continues to disrupt shipping routes. The Persian Gulf region remains one of the world’s most critical oil export corridors, and any interruption could quickly impact supply chains and energy prices.

Security experts warn that if maritime attacks continue, shipping companies may reroute vessels away from high-risk zones or demand higher insurance costs for Gulf voyages. Such developments could ripple across global trade networks already strained by geopolitical tensions.

As the Iran Israel war continues to unfold, governments and international organizations are urging restraint while monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation across the Middle East.

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BW LPG announces $0.57 dividend with ex dividend trading starting today

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Energy shipping company BW LPG Limited has confirmed that its shares began trading ex dividend today on the Oslo Stock Exchange, marking a key milestone in the company’s previously announced shareholder payout for the fourth quarter of 2025. The BW LPG dividend of US$0.57 per share was first disclosed in a corporate update issued on March 3, 2026.

From today, investors purchasing BW LPG stock on the Oslo Stock Exchange will no longer be eligible to receive the declared dividend. The company also confirmed that BW LPG ex dividend trading will begin on the New York Stock Exchange starting March 13, 2026.

The announcement signals another step in the company’s regular capital return program, reinforcing its commitment to distributing profits to shareholders during strong periods for the liquefied petroleum gas shipping market.

BW LPG dividend highlights strong LPG shipping market

The BW LPG dividend announcement reflects the company’s position as one of the world’s dominant operators in the liquefied petroleum gas shipping sector. Headquartered in Singapore, BW LPG manages a fleet of roughly 50 Very Large Gas Carriers, often referred to as VLGCs, which transport liquefied petroleum gas across major global energy routes.

Industry analysts note that the performance of BW LPG stock has historically been closely tied to global LPG demand and freight rates. As LPG consumption grows in emerging markets and energy supply chains evolve, shipping companies operating VLGC fleets have benefited from increased cargo movement and higher charter rates.

Market experts tracking the energy shipping sector have suggested that dividend announcements such as the current BW LPG ex dividend move often signal confidence in the company’s cash flow stability and operating performance.

BW LPG fleet and operations expand global energy logistics

According to corporate disclosures, BW LPG Limited currently operates around 50 VLGC vessels, including 22 ships powered by LPG dual-fuel propulsion technology. These vessels form a major component of the company’s global shipping network that connects energy producers and import markets.

The company has built more than five decades of expertise in LPG transportation while also expanding into related energy logistics activities. Through an in-house LPG trading division, BW LPG supports commodity sourcing and delivery services for customers worldwide.

Beyond shipping operations, the company explores investments across the broader energy value chain, including infrastructure and logistics assets tied to LPG distribution.

BW Group strengthens BW LPG’s global maritime presence

BW LPG operates as part of the larger maritime network of BW Group, one of the world’s largest shipping conglomerates. The group was founded in 1955 by Sir YK Pao and today controls a fleet of more than 450 vessels transporting oil, gas and dry commodities.

Within this network, BW Group maintains one of the largest combined fleets of liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas vessels globally. The company has also expanded into renewable energy investments, including solar power, wind energy projects, battery technology and water treatment solutions.

Analysts believe that the stability of this broader maritime ecosystem strengthens the long-term outlook for BW LPG stock, particularly as global demand for gas transportation continues to grow.

What the BW LPG ex dividend move means for investors

When a company trades ex dividend, it means that new investors buying the shares after the ex-dividend date will not receive the announced payout. Only shareholders who owned the stock before the cutoff date remain eligible for the BW LPG dividend.

Financial experts say such events often attract increased trading activity because investors reposition their portfolios around dividend timelines. In the case of BW LPG stock, the $0.57 per share payout represents another indicator of the company’s strong earnings cycle within the global LPG shipping market.

As global energy supply chains continue to evolve, industry observers will be closely watching how companies like BW LPG maintain profitability while navigating volatile freight markets and shifting energy demand.

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Thai cargo ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz while heading to India

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A Thai cargo ship attack in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz attack zone has raised fresh concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s most important shipping corridors. The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree ship was struck while sailing through the narrow waterway on March 11, 2026, according to officials from the Royal Thai Navy.

The vessel had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was travelling toward India’s western port of Kandla when the Strait of Hormuz attack occurred. Authorities reported that at least twenty crew members were rescued after the incident, while search efforts continued for three missing sailors.

Images released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick black smoke pouring from the hull and upper structures of the Mayuree Naree ship, while life rafts drifted in nearby waters, suggesting that crew members abandoned the vessel shortly after the Thai cargo ship attack.

Rescue operations underway after Mayuree Naree ship incident

Officials indicated that the Mayuree Naree ship was sailing through the Strait of Hormuz when the attack took place, although the precise cause of the Strait of Hormuz attack remains under investigation. The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that the vessel had been targeted while in transit after leaving the United Arab Emirates.

Rescue operations were led by the Royal Thai Navy and the Omani Navy, which reportedly pulled 20 sailors from the sea following the Thai cargo ship attack. Authorities stated that search teams were continuing to locate the remaining crew members who were unaccounted for after the incident.

Ship-tracking platforms indicated that the Mayuree Naree ship was drifting slowly off the coast of Oman after the Strait of Hormuz attack, moving at little more than one knot. Maritime databases show the bulk carrier measures roughly 178 metres in length and has a displacement of about 30,000 tonnes.

Strait of Hormuz attack highlights risks to global energy routes

The Strait of Hormuz attack has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of global shipping routes in the Gulf region. The narrow passage connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is considered one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world.

Security analysts note that roughly a fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day. As a result, any Thai cargo ship attack or disruption in the area can quickly affect international shipping costs and energy markets.

The latest Strait of Hormuz attack comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran and several regional rivals. Iranian military strikes against neighbouring oil-exporting countries have recently raised fears that commercial vessels could become collateral targets in a broader conflict.

Earlier in the day, the United Kingdom’s maritime monitoring authority, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, reported that three commercial ships may have been struck in the Gulf region, though officials have not confirmed whether the Mayuree Naree ship was among those incidents.

Shipping industry reacts to Thai cargo ship attack

The Thai cargo ship attack involved a vessel owned by Precious Shipping, one of Thailand’s major dry bulk shipping operators. The company operates multiple cargo vessels transporting commodities such as grain, minerals and industrial materials across global routes.

Industry experts say attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz attack zone could lead shipping companies to reroute vessels or demand higher insurance premiums for Gulf voyages. Maritime security specialists have previously warned that escalating regional conflict could place cargo vessels at greater risk.

For India, the Mayuree Naree ship incident also carries strategic importance because the vessel was travelling toward the port of Kandla, a key commercial gateway on India’s western coast.

As investigations continue, authorities are attempting to determine whether the Thai cargo ship attack was linked to broader military operations in the region or whether it was an isolated maritime security incident.

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