Projectile strikes on MSC’s vessel raise maritime security concerns

June 2, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Switzerland-headquartered Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a privately owned global shipping and logistics giant and part of MSC Group, has reported two projectile attacks on its Panama-flagged cargo ship in the Middle East, which is interpreted to highlight threats to maritime trade.

MSC’s MSC Sariska V cargo ship was struck by two projectiles in Iraq’s port of Umm Qasr on June 1, 2026. The vessel owner explained that the first hit happened while the pilot was on board as the vessel departed from port, and the second, which impacted the crew area, occurred soon afterwards.

“All crew members are safe, unharmed and acted with exceptional professionalism throughout the incident to secure the vessel, and its cargo,” emphasized the Swiss shipping giant.

According to local media reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for the cargo ship attack, describing it as a response to U.S. actions on the Lion Star vessel.

“This retaliatory action is completely unjustified based on the allegations made by the IRGC since MSC is a neutral commercial carrier with no affiliation to the United States or Israel,” underlined the Swiss player.

The company expresses deep concern over these “unprovoked” attacks and the risk they create for its “innocent seafarers, and essential maritime trade in the region.”

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Due to the regional tensions in the Middle East, which came about with the military campaign the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was closed, and multiple energy infrastructure assets suffered damage from missile strikes.

Rystad Energy estimated a few weeks ago that the bill to repair the reported damage and shutdowns affecting the Gulf energy infrastructure could potentially amount to $25 billion.