The world’s largest tanker industry body has warned members to stop transiting past Yemen, following strikes by the US and UK against Houthi militant targets in the country.
The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko), which represents almost 70 per cent of all internationally traded oil, gas and chemical tankers, said in an advisory to members to “stay well away” from the Bab al Mendab strait, and for vessels travelling south via the Suez Canal to pause north of Yemen.
“The threat period for shipping is expected to last for several days,” Intertanko said.
While the majority of container ships have avoided the Red Sea area in recent weeks, the drop-off in oil tanker sailings has so far been much smaller, with many still choosing to transit the route despite more than 25 attacks by Houthi militants on shipping since November.
