According to the Russian-language media outlet Neftegaz, a series of cyberattacks on oil and gas carriers has been reported since August 2026, apparently forming a targeted campaign against vessels owned by the United States.
The latest incident involved the LPG carrier Botan, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, which was targeted in a cyberattack on October 22, 2026. The vessel was en route from Singapore to the Nederland terminal in Texas.
Informed sources told the Russian-language outlet that the attack caused serious disruption to the vessel’s cargo monitoring and control systems. The incident was confidentially reported to the US Coast Guard by the ship’s captain and owning company. However, due to political considerations and tensions in the oil and gas markets, they were reportedly instructed not to make the incident public.
Previously, the Liberian-flagged oil tanker VL Prosperity was targeted in an attack near Gibraltar in late August. After the vessel arrived in Texas, the US Coast Guard and FBI boarded it and confirmed the cyber intrusion.
The Liberian-flagged LNG carrier Vivit Africa was also targeted in a cyberattack near the Italian coast in early September. The incident caused a serious technical malfunction, preventing the vessel from unloading its cargo for several weeks.
The vessel Kohaku is also among the ships affected by this series of cyberattacks.
