Gulf of Oman – June 19, 2025 — A significant oil slick has been detected in the Gulf of Oman following a collision between two tankers, Front Eagle and the shadow fleet vessel Adalynn, raising urgent environmental and security concerns. Satellite imagery analyzed by Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (MENA) reveals a slick stretching across approximately 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres), prompting calls for immediate containment and long-term reforms to maritime monitoring.
The Incident: Collision Near the Strait of Hormuz
The collision occurred around 1:30 AM local time on June 17, approximately 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The Adalynn, reportedly operating as part of the so-called “dark fleet,” collided with the Front Eagle, a vessel operated by Frontline Ltd.
While the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure described the incident as causing only “minor surface damage” and a “small oil spill,” satellite data from Planet Labs PBC and analysis by Greenpeace suggest otherwise.
Satellite Evidence and Environmental Concerns
Greenpeace MENA released satellite images showing a large oil plume originating from the collision site. The environmental group cited data from Veson Nautical and Lloyd’s List Intelligence, asserting that Adalynn was carrying approximately 70,000 tons of crude oil, despite being officially listed as in ballast condition. The vessel’s 9.3-meter draft supports this claim, indicating a heavy load.
“Environmental security must be treated as national and regional security,” said Farah Al Hattab, Campaigner at Greenpeace MENA. “We urge governments and shipping companies to commit to full transparency and invest in maritime monitoring and early-warning systems.”
Conflicting Reports and Shadow Fleet Activity
The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by shadow fleet tankers—vessels that operate under opaque ownership, often to circumvent sanctions or regulatory oversight. The Adalynn is believed to be part of this fleet, raising questions about its cargo, route, and compliance with international maritime laws.
Frontline CEO Lars Barstad, speaking at Marine Money Week in New York, confirmed the collision involved a “dark fleet” tanker but downplayed the severity, stating the incident “went well” and avoided a larger disaster. He also denied any knowledge of GPS jamming, a claim contradicted by maritime AI firm Windward.
Electronic Interference and Maritime Security Threats
Windward’s report revealed that Front Eagle experienced sustained GPS and AIS jamming before the collision. The firm warned that such interference is becoming a growing maritime security threat, with up to 970 ships per day affected in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz over the past week.
This raises serious concerns about navigational safety, especially in congested and geopolitically sensitive waters. While the UAE Ministry attributes the incident to a “navigational misjudgment,” the presence of electronic interference suggests a more complex scenario.
Response and Cleanup Efforts
Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that the fire aboard Adalynn has been extinguished, and the crew—comprising seven Russian nationals—has been relocated to a hotel in Fujairah. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation and assess navigational safety in the area.
However, Greenpeace and other environmental groups argue that more proactive measures are needed, including:
- Immediate containment and cleanup of the oil slick
- Independent ecological impact assessments
- Increased investment in maritime surveillance
- Stricter regulation of shadow fleet operations
Regional and Global Implications
The Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz are among the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant portion of global oil shipments. An environmental disaster in this region could have far-reaching economic and ecological consequences.
This incident underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to address:
- Environmental transparency in shipping
- Cybersecurity and electronic warfare threats
- Accountability for non-compliant vessels
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Maritime Governance
The oil slick in the Gulf of Oman is more than an isolated incident—it’s a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in global maritime operations. As shadow fleets grow and electronic threats escalate, the need for robust monitoring, regulation, and environmental stewardship has never been greater.
Greenpeace’s call to action is clear: Environmental security is national security. Governments, shipping companies, and international bodies must act decisively to prevent future disasters and protect one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
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