<p>Two ships, including a U.S.-owned natural gas storage tanker, caught fire after an explosion at an Egyptian port, broadening regional tensions in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Multiple marine tracking firms reported the incident at the Damietta port on the Mediterranean coast. One firm attributed the explosion to a drone attack, though there was no official confirmation from Egyptian authorities or the ships’ owners.</p>
<p>Egyptian authorities said the attack is not expected to significantly impact global energy markets because Egypt is not a major natural gas exporter. The two vessels were moved away from the port, and there were no confirmed injuries or deaths, according to the ministry of petroleum.</p>
<p>Industry officials noted the explosion was believed to involve a drone attack, with at least one vessel hit. The source of the attack has not been identified by the tracking firm providing the assessment.</p>
<p>Anonymously sourced security officials suggested the attack was intended to demonstrate potential disruption to global shipping and energy supplies, but they did not confirm involvement by Iran or an allied group, or the attack’s origin.</p>
<p>Comments from a U.S. official indicated consideration of Iran as a potential author of the attack, without providing details. The incident could prompt shipping operators to reassess risks of using Egyptian ports amid broader regional tensions and ongoing conflicts in nearby waterways.</p>
<p>The Energos Winter, a U.S. storage tanker operated by Energos Infrastructure, was reported to be involved; the company said it had not determined the cause but confirmed all crew members were safe. Footage showed tugboats extinguishing or cooling the vessel at the port.</p>
<p>The Energos Winter is leased by an Egyptian government-owned gas company, and Energos Infrastructure is reportedly owned by funds managed by a major investment firm. The other vessel involved is a liquefied natural gas carrier operated by a Greek company, which was also struck by a drone according to assessments.</p>
<p>Attacks on ships in critical Middle Eastern routes have disrupted oil and gas shipments, with broader implications for global energy markets. The Red Sea and Persian Gulf passages have faced increased risks, leading to reduced traffic in the Bab al-Mandab corridor and the Strait of Hormuz.</p>
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