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Oil Tankers Back Up Near Yemeni Port After Israel’s Military Strike on Tugs

Written by

Oleksandr Kaiukov

in

Oil Tankers Back Up Near Yemeni Port After Israeli Air Raids

The maritime industry is facing another challenge in the Red Sea, as a large flotilla of merchant vessels has backed up near Yemen’s Ras Isa port. The congestion is a result of Israeli air raids that damaged the tugboats needed to bring the vessels to shore. In this article, we will explore the situation, its impact on the maritime industry, and the potential environmental consequences.

The Israeli air raids, which took place in late December, heavily damaged several tugs, leaving them out of service for about three weeks. As a result, port personnel are slowly bringing tankers into harbor, causing a bottleneck. According to a worker at the terminal and a senior official in the transport ministry of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, at least 15 oil tankers, some of them carrying Russian fuel, are now clustered at or near the port.

Affected Vessels and Technical Parameters

The affected vessels include:

  • The Pan Viva, a 738-foot cargo vessel
  • Oil tankers carrying Russian fuel
  • Other merchant vessels, including cargo ships and tankers

The Ras Isa port, located in the Red Sea near the city of Hodeida, Yemen, is a critical hub for oil exports and imports in the region. The Israeli air raids damaged several tugs, including those used for berthing and unberthing vessels. The congestion at the port is causing delays and increased costs for shipping companies, with the situation being monitored by ship-tracking and Vortexa data compiled by Bloomberg.

Impact on the Maritime Industry

The congestion at the Ras Isa port is having a significant impact on the maritime industry. The delays and increased costs are affecting shipping companies, oil exporters, and importers. The situation is also highlighting the risks and challenges associated with operating in the region. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Increased costs and delays
  • Risks associated with operating in a conflict zone
  • Disruptions to trade routes and supply chains

Persistent maritime attacks in the region, including IDF strikes on Yemeni targets and Houthi assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, have upended a vital trade route and forced many ships to divert. This situation is emblematic of the delays that have plagued the shipping market for more than a year.

Environmental Impact

The situation at the Ras Isa port also raises concerns about the potential environmental impact. The congestion and delays could lead to increased emissions and pollution from the vessels. Additionally, the damaged tugs and vessels could pose a risk to the marine environment if not properly repaired or disposed of.

Summary

The congestion at the Ras Isa port is a significant challenge for the maritime industry. The Israeli air raids that damaged the tugboats have caused a bottleneck, leading to delays and increased costs. The situation highlights the risks and challenges associated with operating in the region and raises concerns about the potential environmental impact.

Conclusion

As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for shipping companies, oil exporters, and importers to monitor the situation closely and take necessary precautions to minimize the risks and impacts. This includes rerouting ships, enhancing security measures, and investing in more resilient supply chains. Additionally, international cooperation and diplomatic efforts are crucial in addressing the root causes of the conflict and ensuring the safety and security of maritime trade in the region.

The maritime industry must remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of such challenges, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

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