# U.S. Investigates Suspected Cyberattacks on Oil and LNG Tankers Near Gibraltar

*Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6:06 AM UTC — Hamer Intelligence Services Desk*

**Published**: 2026-09-16T06:06:34.175Z (3h ago)
**Category**: cyber | **Region**: Global
**Importance**: 9/10
**Sources**: OSINT
**Permalink**: https://hamerintel.com/data/articles/17953.md
**Source**: https://hamerintel.com/summaries

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**Deck**: U.S. authorities are examining suspected cyberattacks on at least two foreign oil and LNG tankers that were targeted while crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in August and later inspected in the Gulf of Mexico, after the intrusions compromised both ship operational systems and IT networks.

Suspected cyberattacks on two foreign tankers carrying oil and liquefied natural gas into the United States have triggered a joint investigation by U.S. maritime and law-enforcement agencies.

Officials say the vessels were targeted while transiting the Strait of Gibraltar in August. When they later arrived in the Gulf of Mexico, boarding teams from the U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI inspected them for signs that both operational technology and traditional IT systems had been compromised.

According to officials, attackers gained access to key onboard systems, though they have not said publicly which specific functions were affected or whether vessel safety was ever in immediate danger. Even partial control over systems that handle propulsion, navigation or cargo operations can create serious risk on large tankers.

For shipping operators and insurers, the incident underlines how cyber intrusions at sea can move beyond office networks into the systems that directly influence how ships move and how hazardous cargo is handled. Targeting tankers in a narrow and busy maritime corridor such as the Strait of Gibraltar also raises concern that attackers may be probing choke points where disruption would be especially visible.

Energy security officials are watching because these tankers form part of wider oil and gas flows into U.S. and global markets. A successful attack that caused a major incident at sea or in a U.S. port could have knock-on effects well beyond the immediate area.

Investigators have not yet attributed the activity to any specific group or state. Key developments to watch include any new cyber guidelines for ships calling at U.S. ports, shifts in insurance terms for tankers transiting Gibraltar, and any public move by Washington to name an actor behind the attacks.