• A US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged LNG floating storage facility was hit by at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while at Damietta, Egypt (EGPT), according to maritime security firm Ambrey.
  • No injuries or major damage have been reported so far, but the incident raises concerns about security risks to LNG infrastructure in the region.
  • Operations at the port continue, though the facility's operator is conducting a security review.

Attack at Damietta

A floating storage unit (FSU) used for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage was struck by a UAV on [date] while berthed at the Suez Canal Container Terminal in Damietta, Egypt, Ambrey said in an alert. The vessel, owned by a US company and flagged in the Marshall Islands, was reportedly hit by at least one drone, though details on the extent of damage remain unclear.

“We are aware of the incident and are working with local authorities to assess the situation,” a spokesperson for the operator said, declining to elaborate on operational disruptions. Attempts to reach the Egyptian port authority for comment were unsuccessful.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, though no group has claimed responsibility. Industry analysts noted that such incidents, while rare, underscore vulnerabilities in energy infrastructure.

Limited Operational Impact

Initial reports suggest no injuries to crew members and no significant damage to the vessel's storage systems. LNG transfer operations at the port have continued without major interruption, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, the operator has launched a security review and increased patrols around the facility.

The FSU is used to store LNG before it is loaded onto tankers for export. While the attack has not disrupted supply flows, it adds to the risk premium for LNG shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially as Egypt seeks to expand its role as a regional energy hub.

Broader Implications

The incident highlights the growing threat of drone attacks on maritime assets, particularly those linked to energy infrastructure. Floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) have become increasingly common in global gas trade, but their security measures vary widely.

“This is a wake-up call for operators in the region,” said an energy security analyst. “Insurance costs may rise, and we could see tighter naval escorts for high-value vessels.”

Meanwhile, Egypt’s LNG exports have faced headwinds from declining domestic gas production, and any prolonged disruption at Damietta could strain supplies to key European buyers.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the location of the incident. The facility was at Damietta, not Port Said.