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U.S.-Managed Bulk Carrier Struck by Projectile in Persian Gulf

The Safesea Neha, a 590-foot bulk carrier managed by U.S.-based Safesea Group, was hit by suspected hostile fire May 10 near Doha, Qatar, according to the UK Maritime Operations Center. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel sustained a small fire from the projectile strike but reported no injuries among crew members. The 16-year-old ship marks the first merchant vessel with American ties targeted since ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran stalled. The ship provides logistics support for United Nations peacekeeping missions and the World Food Programme. Multiple vessels came under attack across the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend as diplomatic efforts failed to produce agreement. Approximately 1,500 vessels remain trapped in the gulf. Despite the escalating security risks, carriers are adapting operational responses to manage the conflict's impact on pricing, as evidenced by stabilized shipping rate futures this week.