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.
