International oil firms exit Iraq as tensions ratchet higher in the Middle East.

摘要

While significant damage was reportedly done to four vessels that were attacked off of Fujairah on May 12, there appeared to be no injuries or danger of oil leaks or chemical spills. One Norwegian-flagged, one UAE-flagged, and two Saudi-flagged vessels were reportedly struck with unknown objects. As of May 13, the four tankers were said to be in ship-to-ship transfer and anchorage areas near Fujairah, and UAE officials reported operations at the port of Fujairah were normal. One unnamed source said that most shipowners were exercising extra vigilance, but that it seemed to only be Saudi infrastructure that was being targeted. Brent futures surged in intra-day trading on May 13, but then closed lower than they had on May 10.