Kuala Lampur, June 26 -- The attack on the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely near the Strait of Hormuz is another reminder that the world's most important maritime corridors can no longer be assumed to be permanently secure. According to reports, the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting near the Omani coast.

Although no casualties were reported and the ship continued its voyage, the incident demonstrated how quickly geopolitical tensions can intrude upon commercial shipping.

Equally significant was the warning issued by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which stated that vessels operating outside designated routes would not be guaranteed safe passage and that any consequences would rest with shipowners, o...