On August 8, 2024, the Delta Blue, a Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker, experienced two separate attacks off the coast of Yemen, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. This incident underscores the persistent maritime security challenges in one of the world's most critical shipping regions.
The first assault occurred approximately 45 nautical miles south of Mokha, Yemen, a port city once renowned for its coffee exports. Two small watercraft approached the Delta Blue, firing a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) that detonated near the vessel. RPGs, initially developed by the Soviet Union, have become a common weapon in various conflicts worldwide.
Hours later, a second attack involved a missile exploding in close proximity to the tanker. Despite these threats, the UKMTO confirmed that the Delta Blue and its crew remained unharmed, with the vessel proceeding to its next scheduled port.
The attacks are attributed to Iran-aligned Houthi militants, who have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since November 2023. This campaign is reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023.
Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014. The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Muslim minority group, have played a significant role in this conflict. The United Nations has been attempting to broker peace in Yemen since 2015, but progress has been limited.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, off Yemen's coast, is a crucial shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea itself hosts some of the world's most important maritime routes, with the Suez Canal handling approximately 12% of global trade.
These attacks have prompted retaliatory strikes from the United States and the United Kingdom, disrupting global trade patterns. Many ship owners are now opting to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, instead navigating around the southern tip of Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. This alternative route adds about 3,000 nautical miles to a typical journey, significantly impacting shipping costs and delivery times.
The Delta Blue is managed by Athens-based Delta Tankers, reflecting Greece's prominent role in the global shipping industry. Athens remains one of the world's largest shipping centers. Liberia, the flag state of the Delta Blue, boasts the second-largest ship registry globally, highlighting the complex international nature of maritime commerce.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region. While maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia peaked in 2011, the current situation demonstrates that threats to shipping in the area continue to evolve. The UKMTO, established in 2001, plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting such incidents to ensure the safety of maritime trade.
As international efforts continue to address these security concerns, the global shipping industry faces the challenge of balancing safety considerations with the economic imperatives of efficient trade routes.