Introduction

Commodities trader Trafigura has announced that it is currently evaluating the security risks associated with future voyages in the Red Sea. This comes after a tanker, the Marlin Luanda, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi group and subsequently extinguished by firefighters.

Assistance Provided by U.S. Military

The U.S. military has reported that a U.S. Navy ship and other vessels provided assistance following the attack on the Marlin Luanda by a Houthi anti-ship missile.

Trafigura’s Response

Trafigura has released a statement indicating that no further vessels operated by the company are currently transiting the Gulf of Aden. The company continues to carefully assess the risks involved in any voyage, including the safety and security of the crew, in collaboration with shipowners and customers.

Impact on Red Sea Shipping

Due to the attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group on ships in the Red Sea, some shipping companies have suspended transits through the area. These companies have opted for longer and costlier journeys around Africa in order to avoid potential attacks. Container vessels have been the primary target of Houthi attacks, while fuel tankers have continued to use the route. Notably, QatarEnergy, the world’s second largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, has also stopped sending tankers via the Red Sea, citing security concerns.

Marlin Luanda Incident

The Marlin Luanda’s crew battled a blaze in one cargo tank on the vessel’s starboard side for several hours before extinguishing the fire. Trafigura has confirmed that all crew members are safe and the vessel is currently sailing towards a safe harbor. The firefighting efforts were supported by Indian, U.S., and French navy vessels.

International Assistance

The USS Carney and other coalition ships provided assistance to the distressed Marlin Luanda. India’s navy also deployed INS Visakhapatnam, a guided missile destroyer, after receiving a distress call from the tanker. The Marlin Luanda was carrying Russian naphtha purchased below the price cap in accordance with G7 sanctions.

Houthi Attacks and Retaliatory Strikes

The Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have prompted responses from the U.S. and British forces, who have launched retaliatory strikes across Yemen against Houthi forces. In a recent development, the U.S. military destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Red Sea, which posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Alleged Strikes on Yemen’s Main Oil Export Terminal

Houthi-affiliated Al-Masira television has reported that the United States and Britain launched two air strikes targeting Yemen’s main oil export terminal in Ras Issa. However, Central Command has not confirmed whether this strike is connected to the aforementioned incident, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet is yet to respond to requests for comment. The British Defence Ministry has declined to comment.