South Korean oil tanker safely transits Red Sea, marking fourth successful voyage
Kyodo News
A South Korean oil tanker has safely passed through the Red Sea and is en route home, marking the fourth such successful crude oil shipment, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Friday. The unnamed vessel completed its transit amid heightened tensions and Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The ministry pledged continued coordination with military and agencies to ensure vessel safety.
SEOUL – A South Korean oil tanker has safely transited the Red Sea and is heading home, marking the fourth successful crude oil shipment amid escalating regional tensions, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Friday.
The unnamed vessel completed its journey through the strategic waterway connecting the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea before continuing its route to South Korea. The ministry's statement did not disclose the type of oil or port of origin but stressed this was the fourth time a South Korean oil tanker had successfully completed this passage in recent months.
The safe crossing comes as Yemen's Houthi forces continue targeting commercial vessels linked to Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom since late 2023, forcing many shipping lines to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope. However, South Korean oil tankers have maintained operations with enhanced security measures.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said it will continue to coordinate with the military and relevant agencies to ensure the safety of South Korean vessels operating in the region.
