LONDON/ADEN: Two tankers, each containing oil and toxic waste, are currently stranded in the Red Sea, caught in the crossfire between Western naval forces and Yemen’s Houthi group, despite repeated efforts by the United Nations to empty and relocate the vessels to prevent potential spills.
These ships, one of which has been stranded for an extended period, are situated near the port of Ras Issa. This location is notorious for being a launching point for Houthis’ missile attacks on passing ships in the Red Sea, while also being targeted by US missiles aimed at the Houthis.
Last year, the United Nations spearheaded an operation costing $121 million to transfer a million barrels of oil from the deteriorating tanker, the FSO Safer, to a newer vessel named the MT Yemen. The intention was to move the FSO Safer, which still contains hazardous wastewater and oily residue, for safe disposal elsewhere and to sell the oil stored on the MT Yemen.
However, since August, neither of the ships has budged due to disagreements between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government regarding the distribution of the oil revenue. A Houthi insider, speaking anonymously to Reuters, revealed that there is also no consensus on towing the FSO Safer away.
The UN Development Programme has been actively engaged in discussions with all relevant parties in Yemen concerning the handover of the vessels. A UNDP spokesperson clarified that there have been no indications from Yemen’s authorities, referring to the Houthis, of any threats to intentionally damage the ships.
Regarding the FSO Safer, a former supertanker from the 1970s converted into a floating oil storage facility, its deteriorating condition poses a serious risk of spilling its cargo into the Red Sea. Although the oil has been removed, toxic sludge and residual wash water used in the oil cleaning process remain on board, totaling around 70,000 metric tons.
Efforts by Dutch-based SMIT Salvage, contracted by the UN, were focused on oil removal and not vessel disposal. Belgium’s Euronav, under a UN contract, has been managing MT Yemen since August, with plans for the crew to depart once the handover process is finalized. Euronav’s role is to assist the UNDP in safely transferring MT Yemen, though the ultimate recipient of the ship has not been specified.
