Saudi Aramco Resumes Oil Shipments through Bab-El-Mandeb Strait

Saudi Arabian oil major Saudi Aramco has resumed oil shipments through Bab-El-Mandeb Strait that were halted at the end of July after the attacks on two very large crude oil tankers.

“The company will continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to take necessary actions in efforts to constantly ensure the safety and reliability of supply to its customers through its wide network which has the flexibility to export oil through multiple ports,” Saudi Aramco said, adding it would take all necessary actions to safeguard people, assets and the environment.

Lifting of the suspension comes after the Houthi movement announced it would suspend Red Sea attacks for two weeks as a sign of good will and support to the peace efforts, Reuters informed last week.

The suspension of attacks could be extended should the talks with the Saudi-led coalition prove to be fruitful.

Two VLCCs, operated by the Saudi National Shipping Company (Bahri) were targeted by Houthi fighters and one of them suffered minor damage while underway in the Red Sea on July 25.

The crude carriers were transporting Saudi Aramco’s crude oil when they were attacked.  Fortunately, there were no injuries or oil spill reported.

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, and it has claimed the lives of over 10,000 people, according to the United Nations. The country’s ports have been subjected to several attacks and closures as a result.

World Maritime News Staff;  Image Courtesy: Flickr/Kees Torn under CC BY-SA 2.0