South Korean tankers have turned to a route away from the Strait of Hormuz in the Red Sea due to the escalating security situation in the strait. According to the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, as of 10 AM on October 20, 2026, a South Korean tanker carrying crude oil has set sail from the port of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, heading to South Korea. This tanker is the nineteenth case of crude oil transport through the Red Sea since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the end of February.
Change of Route Due to Increased Risks
Since April of this year, South Korean tankers have been loading crude oil from the port of Yanbu and entering South Korea through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. However, with the increase in military conflicts between Saudi Arabia and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, the risk in this strait has increased, and since mid-August, their maritime route has changed.
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Choosing the Northern Route and Increased Costs
The current tanker has decided to pass through the northern Suez Canal and avoid the southern Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is recognized as a high-risk area. This new route significantly increases travel time compared to before, as ships must pass through the Mediterranean Sea and travel away from the southernmost point of Africa. With the increased distance, the logistics costs that shipping companies and cargo owners must pay also rise.
The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has emphasized that the decision regarding the choice of route was made based on the independent judgment of the shipping company and cargo owner. In fact, they have chosen the longer route while accepting higher financial burdens to prioritize safety. Given the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, it is expected that transportation via the longer route will continue to secure domestic energy supply.
So far, a total of 19 South Korean tankers have transported crude oil through the Red Sea. The South Korean government is continuously monitoring the safe operations of the ships and managing the situation to prevent disruptions in crude oil supply.
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