The conflict in the Middle East has created an unprecedented challenge for the maritime salvage industry. As of March 19, 2026, at least 22 vessels have been struck by projectiles—including drones, missiles, and unmanned surface vessels—since the onset of the current regional conflict. This hazardous environment has forced a precarious response from salvage operators, who are being urged to assist stranded ships while balancing the safety of their crews.
According to reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the International Salvage Union (ISU), the demand for assistance is rising, particularly in the UAE, Oman, and Iraq. However, salvage providers and Special Casualty Representatives (SCRs) expressed deep reluctance at an industry event in London on March 18, citing the lack of security for personnel working in an active war zone.
Regional port operations remain fragmented and highly dependent on local security conditions. In the UAE, the Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal is only partially operational, with several berths out of service. While major hubs like Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi remain open, the situation is starkly different in Qatar and Iraq. QatarEnergy has confirmed the suspension of LNG production at Ras Laffan following a strike on March 18, and crude exports from Iraq’s Basrah Oil Terminal have also been halted.
Insurance providers, including P&I clubs, are struggling to facilitate salvage efforts as standard contracts often fail to account for the intensity of modern projectile warfare. Salvage companies have reported receiving direct requests from government authorities to clear damaged tankers from territorial waters, but these requests are often met with significant operational hesitation due to the threat of follow-up attacks.
Meanwhile, supply chain volatility is being exacerbated by the regional airspace restrictions. Crew changes remain constrained, and airspace reopenings have been limited and highly restricted. While ports in Oman and Egypt are operating with varying degrees of normality, navigation in certain areas—such as near the Mina al Fahal terminal—is hampered by GPS interference, creating additional risks for commercial shipping.
As the crisis enters its third month, the maritime industry faces a grim reality: the traditional salvage model is currently insufficient for the risks of a modern maritime battlefield. Industry leaders are now calling for greater cooperation between governments and insurers to define safety protocols for those tasked with the dangerous duty of rescuing damaged ships in the Gulf.