The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Thursday (10 September) strongly condemned attacks against commercial shipping, following recent incidents affecting commercial shipping, including within the bunkering community in the last 24 hours. 

IBIA said the attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of seafarers’ lives and left others injured or missing. 

Yesterday, Manifold Times reported marine fuels supplier Peninsula confirming that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai. The company also confirmed one fatality and one member of crew missing, with a specialist team working to locate them. 

The association said it stands with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the wider maritime community in calling for greater protection of seafarers and an immediate end to attacks on merchant vessels.

“On behalf of its Global Board and Secretariat, IBIA expresses its deepest sorrow for all those affected and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims,” IBIA said. 

“These incidents are a tragic reminder that innocent seafarers continue to bear the human cost of geopolitical conflicts. Seafarers are civilians carrying out an essential service to the global economy and should never become victims of violence.”

IBIA’s Board called on governments and the international community to take decisive action to prevent further loss of life, protect freedom of navigation, safeguard global trade and uphold international law.

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, said: “Too often, seafarers become the forgotten victims of geopolitical conflicts in which they play no part.  

“I fully agree with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez that attacks on innocent seafarers and civilian shipping are totally unacceptable. The men and women serving at sea are not involved in these disputes. They are delivering energy, food and essential goods that keep economies and societies functioning.

“Seafarers deserve protection, respect and the ability to do their jobs without becoming targets.”

Related: Peninsula confirms one fatality, crew member missing from bunker tanker “Hercules Star”

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 11 September, 2026

Marine fuels supplier Peninsula on Wednesday (9 September) confirmed that its bunker tanker Hercules Star was involved in an incident whilst at anchorage off Dubai.

“It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm one fatality. Peninsula is in contact with their family and providing all the necessary support at this time,” the company said in a statement.

“In addition, one member of the crew is missing and a specialist team is working to locate them. All other crew members are accounted for.”

The company added it is working with all relevant parties to monitor developments.

“This is an ongoing incident and updates will be issued in due course when we have more details,” Peninsula added. 

According to a Reuters report citing preliminary assessments by maritime security sources, the vessel may have been struck by a drone.

The report also said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a vessel listing while at anchor about 24 nautical miles off the UAE’s Port Rashid, with the condition “possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile”.

Photo credit: Peninsula
Published: 10 September, 2026

An explosion at a petroleum storage facility in the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, killed one person and injured six others on Thursday (13 August), Reuters reported.

The blast occurred at around 11.30 am local time. Gunvor, which operates oil product storage tanks at the site, said the incident took place while maintenance work was being carried out on one of its storage tanks.

Police said there was no immediate evidence of sabotage, although all possibilities remained under consideration.

Gunvor added it was cooperating with the authorities. 

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Rolf Bridde
Published: 17 August, 2026