New Casualty - QINGDAO STAR - Missile Strike
Incident Date: 7th April 2026
Vessel: QINGDAO STAR
Type: Fully Cellular Containership
Incident: Missile Strike
IMO No.: 9318163
W.E. Cox have learned of an incident involving the QINGDAO STAR, a Marshall Islands Flag, 39,906GT, 260.62m, 4,253TEU, 2006 fully cellular containership, which was struck by a missile about 25nm south of Iran’s Kish Island on 7th April 2026, after sailing from Jebel Ali, UAE. The vessel remains operational and will call at the next port, Jubail Ali, Saudi Arabia, for inspection.
It is understood that the QINGDAO STAR sustained hull damage above the water line. Fortunately, no crew members were injured.
It is further understood that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the QINGDAO STAR with a Qadir cruise missile as the QINGDAO STAR was classified as an “Israeli vessel”, having had Israeli connections when it was time-chartered by ZIM until October 2023.
The QINGDAO STAR is owned by Adrian Marine Incorporate and operated/chartered by Maersk A/S. She trades along routes in the Middle East and/or Gulf Region.
As a result of this casualty, cargo deliveries may be delayed, with possible cargo loss and damage. The situation may also give rise to General Average that will require Cargo interests to provide General Average security prior to cargo being released at destination.
If you are aware of any involvement in this casualty and W E Cox Claims Group may be of assistance in any way, including provision of securities, arranging surveys, adjusting any potential losses &/or undertaking recovery action, please do not hesitate to contact us. As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
France – Marie-Laure Mirrione MarieLaureMirrione@w-e-cox.eu
Europe – John Jackson Johnjackson@cwhji.com
Hong Kong – Twinnie Lai twinnie@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Joshua Gayer jgayer@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Niall Orr norr@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.