15th South Korean Oil Tanker Passes Through Red Sea Following Hormuz Blockade

A 15th South Korean vessel is currently transporting crude oil to the country via the Red Sea, an alternative route, following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced today (July 19) that one South Korean oil tanker has passed through the Red Sea and is currently en route to South Korea.

This marks the 15th South Korean vessel to transport crude oil via the Red Sea since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz began in late February.

This tanker also loaded its crude oil at the port of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.

Although the Strait of Hormuz was reopened following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran last month, Iran has declared a re-blockade of the strait as military clashes between the two nations have resumed.

The government plans to continue transporting crude oil to the country via the Red Sea route for the time being.

However, the Red Sea route is also facing threats as military tensions have escalated again between Saudi Arabia and the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are based near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Regarding the vessel that passed through the Red Sea, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries emphasized, "We have supported the safety of our ships and crew by providing 24-hour real-time monitoring while the vessel navigated the Red Sea, supplying maritime safety information, and operating a real-time communication channel between the ministry, the shipping company, and the ship," adding, "We will do our utmost to stabilize the domestic crude oil supply."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.