First Korean tanker clears Red Sea after Strait of Hormuz closure

Published: Apr 17, 2026 16:44

Save

A South Korean vessel that had been stranded by the Middle East crisis and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has safely exited the Red Sea for the first time.

On April 17, the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that a South Korean tanker loaded with crude oil at Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia had safely passed through the Red Sea.

This marks the first case of crude oil being transported to South Korea via the Red Sea, which has served as an alternative route since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

27 mins ago

Aluminum Prices Stay High, Downstream Price Acceptance Remains Weak [SMM Spot Aluminum Midday Review]

27 mins ago

32 mins ago

Geopolitical Risk Uncertainty Persisted, the Most-Traded BC Copper Contract Stabilized [SMM BC Copper Commentary]

32 mins ago

49 mins ago

【SMM Flash News】PLN to Phase Out 2,139 Diesel Power Units in Favor of Renewables Following Presidential Directive

Following a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, PT PLN has announced plans to cease operations at 2,139 diesel power plant (PLTD) units across 741 locations to bolster national energy sovereignty. PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that these oil-dependent plants will be replaced with clean energy sources, such as hydro or solar power plants (PLTS) integrated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), supported by a planned 48,000-kilometer green super grid. President Prabowo emphasized that this transition, which includes a target of 100 GW of solar capacity, is expected to save 200,000 barrels of oil per day, approximately 20% of Indonesia’s current oil imports, as the country seeks to eliminate its dependence on imported fuels within the next two to three years.

49 mins ago