The recent attack on the Greek oil tanker MV Sounion by Houthi rebels has intensified concerns about maritime security in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was targeted last Wednesday, marking another incident in a series of assaults on commercial shipping that began in October 2023.
These attacks have significantly impacted global maritime trade. Over 50% of ships, and more than 90% of larger vessels, are now opting for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope instead of traversing the Red Sea and Suez Canal. This shift has led to increased shipping costs and delays, affecting global supply chains.
The French warship, part of Operation Aspides, responded to the MV Sounion attack by extinguishing initial fires and evacuating the crew. However, due to legal constraints, the vessel was left abandoned with its substantial cargo. Subsequently, Houthi forces reboarded the tanker and detonated explosives, reigniting fires around the oil tanks and superstructure.
The current situation poses a significant environmental threat. The MV Sounion carries approximately four times the amount of oil spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. A major spill in the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb strait could cause unprecedented ecological damage to the region.
This incident draws parallels to the FSO Safer situation, where a decaying oil storage vessel posed a similar threat off Yemen's coast from 2015 to 2023. The international community's slow response in that case raises questions about the current capacity for swift action.
A proposed solution involves deploying a US carrier group to secure the area for salvage operations. The USS Abraham Lincoln, equipped with F-35C stealth fighters, could provide a defensive perimeter while salvage crews work to secure the vessel and its cargo.
"Security Council to condemn the attacks and for the Houthis to cease the attacks"
This incident highlights broader issues in Red Sea maritime security. Questions arise about shipping companies' risk assessment, the effectiveness of current international security operations, and the need for more robust protective measures in this critical waterway.
As the situation unfolds, the international community's response will be closely watched. The MV Sounion incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between global trade, regional conflicts, and environmental protection in one of the world's most strategically important maritime regions.