Maritime Industry Briefing: VLCC Drone Strike in Iraqi Waters and Freightos Boardroom Revolt

## VLCC Struck by Drone in Iraqi Territorial Waters A Greek-owned very large crude carrier (VLCC) was struck by a drone in Iraqi territorial waters on Wednesday, in an incident that underscores the continued security risks facing commercial shipping in the broader Gulf region. According to Splash247, the 302,500 dwt *New Andros*, carrying approximately two million barrels of Iraqi fuel oil, was hit at around 06:00 local time east of Al-Faw. The strike triggered a fire onboard, which Iraqi rescue vessels subsequently extinguished. All 22 crewmembers are reported safe. The attack marks a significant security incident for commercial tanker operations in Iraqi waters, a route critical to the export of Iraqi crude and fuel oil. While much of the international focus on maritime drone and missile threats has centred on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in recent years, this incident highlights that risk is not confined to those corridors. Industry observers will be watching closely for any claim of responsibility and for the Iraqi government's response, both of which could have implications for insurance underwriting and vessel routing decisions in the region. Shipowners, operators, and war risk insurers are expected to reassess exposure in Iraqi territorial waters following the strike. The *New Andros* incident is likely to prompt renewed guidance from maritime security organisations and flag state authorities. --- ## Freightos Founder Launches Public Boardroom Challenge In the digital freight sector, Freightos is facing an unusual internal reckoning. Zvi Schreiber, the founder of the box booking platform, has launched a public campaign to overhaul the company's board, according to Splash247. Schreiber, who resigned from the Freightos board in February, has gone public with sharp criticism of the company's current direction, arguing that leadership has abandoned a growth-oriented strategy, backed the wrong operational approach, and presided over a significant collapse in shareholder value. The move is notable for its public nature. Boardroom disputes in the maritime technology space rarely surface so visibly, and Schreiber's willingness to wage a campaign openly reflects the depth of his dissatisfaction with the platform's trajectory. Freightos, which operates a digital marketplace for international freight bookings and has positioned itself as a key player in the digitalisation of global trade, has faced a challenging market environment alongside broader headwinds for freight-tech valuations. The outcome of Schreiber's campaign could have meaningful implications for the platform's strategic direction at a time when digital freight tools are increasingly central to how shippers and forwarders manage capacity and pricing. --- *Sources: Splash247. This briefing covers developments as reported on 9 September 2026.*