Drone Strike on US-Owned Gas Tanker at Egyptian Port Sends Brent Above $90
A drone attack on a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt's Damietta port has driven Brent crude above $90 per barrel, escalating Middle East tensions.
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A drone strike on a US-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt's Damietta port has sent Brent crude surging above $90 per barrel, heightening already elevated tensions in the Middle East.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during LNG cargo operations at Damietta, according to the Egyptian cabinet, which confirmed the drone strike on Thursday. The fire that broke out on two gas vessels was handled immediately, with no injuries or fatalities reported, the Egyptian petroleum ministry said. Minister Karim Badawi visited the site.
Security firm Ambrey assessed that the drone hit a US-owned gas storage tanker at Damietta. Three trading sources identified the vessels as the Energos Winter, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) with a storage capacity of 138,250 cubic metres, owned by US-based Energos Infrastructure and operated by Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and the Gaslog Salem. According to Vanguard, the Energos Winter was struck by an unidentified projectile on the starboard side; the fire was subsequently extinguished. The crew was evacuated safely and the fire brought under control.
No party has claimed responsibility, and investigations remain ongoing.
The incident comes shortly after an Iranian missile attack on US forces in Jordan and subsequent US and Saudi strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Former President Trump threatened retaliation against Iran, while Houthi forces declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
Brent crude rose more than 8% to above $90 per barrel following reports of the attack, reflecting market fears of supply disruptions.
Reuters verified the location of the incident through video, port infrastructure, storage tanks, ship tracking data, and archive and satellite imagery. The vessels have been identified by their IMO numbers: Energos Winter (IMO 9256614) and Gaslog Salem (IMO 9638915).