Gamsunoro's Strategy, Indonesian Oil Ship Escapes Yemen's Houthi Attack

Mytips.id - According to data from ship tracking, two tanker ships that deviated from the Red Sea have reversed course and successfully passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. 

This development occurred almost a week after the United States and the United Kingdom launched attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen. 

The two Aframax tankers that successfully crossed the Bab al-Mandab were the Gamsunoro, flying the Indonesian flag, and the Free Spirit, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, on January 17th.

The data reveals that both tankers were carrying heavy fuel and had last made a stop in Fujairah, one of the world's largest oil fuel hubs, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

According to Reuters, both ships have been observed sending signals to the Red Sea port over the past week. 

Additionally, Amin Nasser, the CEO of Saudi Aramco, the giant oil company, stated that his vessels can also pass through the Bab al-Mandab due to an oil pipeline connecting Saudi Arabia's eastern facilities to its western coast.

So far, at least 22 other oil tankers have been redirected or halted since the warning issued by the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain, urging ships to avoid the Bab al-Mandab Strait for several days, starting last Friday. 

Fifteen oil tankers have taken longer routes around Cape of Good Hope from both directions, which can add up to three weeks to their journey between Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, seven other ships remain in the Gulf of Aden or the northern part of the Red Sea.

Mary Melton, an analyst from Vortexa, a data analysis company, stated that the amount of oil-carrying tanker traffic passing through Bab al-Mandab was 58% lower compared to the average for the same period in 2023, between January 13th and 17th, 2024. 

She added that tankers transporting fuels such as diesel and jet fuel were affected more severely compared to tankers carrying residual fuels.

It is evident from the data that the recent events in the region have had a significant impact on shipping routes and the flow of oil tankers. 

The ability of the two tankers to successfully pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait highlights the challenges faced by maritime security forces in managing and securing the crucial transit point. The repercussions of these developments will likely be felt in the global energy markets and may lead to adjustments in trade routes and shipping strategies to mitigate potential risks.

The situation underscores the importance of maintaining security and stability in key maritime chokepoints like the Bab al-Mandab Strait. 

Any disruption or escalation of tensions in these areas can have far-reaching consequences for global trade, energy supplies, and geopolitical dynamics. It is imperative for international stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the safe passage of ships and the uninterrupted flow of goods across these critical maritime routes.

In conclusion, the return journey of the two tanker ships through the Bab al-Mandab Strait highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region. 

The data provided by ship tracking and analysis companies sheds light on the impact of recent events on shipping routes and tanker traffic. It emphasizes the need for robust cooperation and security measures to safeguard maritime trade and ensure the stability of critical transit points.