A tanker transiting near the Strait of Hormuz has been struck by an unidentified drone, sustaining hull damage, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on July 7.

The incident adds to a run of maritime security scares around one of the world's most important oil chokepoints, where roughly a fifth of global crude passes and where any threat to shipping carries the risk of higher insurance costs and freight rates.

The vessel was hit by an uncrewed aerial vehicle of unknown origin, causing minor structural damage to the ship's hull, UKMTO said. No casualties or environmental impact were reported, and the vessel was continuing to its next port of call.

UKMTO said it was continuing to investigate and advised vessels to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

No party claimed responsibility for the attack.