Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Kaifan

On July 20, 2026, the tanker 'Kaifan' faced a harrowing attack off the coast of Oman, leading to its eventual abandonment. The incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. UTC when the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately eight nautical miles northeast of Limah. The impact hit the port-side poop deck dangerously close to the bunker fuel tanks, igniting a fire in the engine room. Crew members witnessed thick smoke billowing from both the affected area and the tanker’s fuel-tank vents. Despite the crew's best efforts, which included attempts to cool the burning bunker tank, they could not control the rising temperatures. Two crew members sustained minor injuries during the chaotic scene, and the ship’s main engine was rendered inoperable due to the damage. As conditions worsened, smoke continued to billow from the vessel, prompting the crew to prepare lifeboats for potential evacuation. The hull suffered severe damage, with a significant hole formed from the impact. Eventually, the crew safely abandoned the 'Kaifan' and boarded a lifeboat without any reported casualties. Fortunately, there were no immediate indications of pollution or environmental damage as a result of the attack. In response to the incident, Egypt condemned the attack on the Kuwaiti tanker, labeling it a serious escalation and a blatant infringement of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. The Egyptian government emphasized that such hostile actions pose a risk to Gulf region security and threaten the safety of maritime trade worldwide.

The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) has proudly announced the delivery of its latest tanker, the Kaifan, which boasts a substantial capacity for transporting petroleum products. This significant milestone was marked today at KOTC's headquarters, where the Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, officially signed the contract for the receipt of this new vessel, constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries. This acquisition aligns with KOTC’s commitment to enhancing its fleet and optimizing its operations in the maritime transport sector, reinforcing its position in the industry.