Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Hackers Accessed Oil Tanker Propulsion System Near Texas Coast
Investigators say hackers got temporary access to part of a large oil ship’s computer systems.
The ship, called the VL Prosperity, was sailing toward Galveston, Texas.
The affected system helps operate the ship’s propulsion.
The FBI and Coast Guard boarded the vessel in August after it lost communications and officials saw signs of a network problem.
Investigators are still trying to learn how the breach happened and who was behind it.
They have not said how long the hackers had access or what they could control.
The FBI said there were no reports of danger to the ship, its crew, or the environment.
A maritime cybersecurity expert warned that unauthorized access to ships can have serious consequences.
Another expert said ships generally have backup systems crews can use.
US investigators found evidence hackers temporarily accessed the propulsion system of the VL Prosperity.
The fully laden oil tanker was approaching the Texas coast and bound for Galveston.
The FBI and Coast Guard boarded the vessel in August after it lost communications and its network appeared compromised.
Investigators have not identified who was responsible or determined how long the hackers had access or what they could control.
The FBI reported no operational disruption, vessel instability, danger to crews, or environmental impact.
- Who
- Hackers accessed the VL Prosperity’s digital systems; the FBI and US Coast Guard investigated.
- What
- Investigators found evidence of temporary access to the oil tanker’s propulsion system.
- When
- The vessel was boarded in August; the reported breach occurred as it approached the Texas coast this summer.
- Where
- Off the Texas coast, as the vessel headed for Galveston.
- Why
- Authorities boarded the vessel after it lost communications and they received indications its network had been compromised.
Cybersecurity risks
Operational resilience
Potential consequences of ship-system access
Cybersecurity risks
Maritime cybersecurity expert Alex Soukhanov said unauthorized access to ship systems could have a huge impact and that mariners should be concerned.
Operational resilience
DNV cybersecurity chief Svante Einarsson said most vessels have backup systems that allow crews to continue operating.
Risk to a large vessel
Cybersecurity risks
Einarsson described a large vessel carrying hazardous material losing functions during a cyberattack as a worst-case scenario.
Operational resilience
The FBI reported no operational disruption, vessel instability, crew danger, or environmental effects in this incident.
- Vessel
- VL Prosperity, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
- Cargo status
- Fully laden
- Destination
- Galveston, Texas
- Investigating agencies
- FBI and US Coast Guard
- Known impact
- The FBI reported no operational disruptions, vessel instability, physical danger to crews, or environmental impacts.
- Investigation status
- The method, responsible party, access duration, and extent of potential control were not yet known.
- Current location
- The vessel remained anchored offshore Galveston, according to Bloomberg shipping data.