Abandoned suezmax off Yemen risks becoming fifth-largest tanker spill in history

The Sounion suezmax, badly damaged and abandoned following multiple attacks by the Houthis on Wednesday, risks spilling four times as much oil as the Exxon Valdez, arguably tanker shipping’s most famous casualty.

The Delta Tankers ship, which is transporting 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, has been designated as a major environmental and navigational threat by the European Union’s naval taskforce stationed in the Middle East. The ship, which was carrying heavy crude from Iraq to Basrah, was assaulted four times on Wednesday. It was damaged by fire and lost power. The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) estimates that one of the top five worst oil leaks in history could occur from the probable sinking of this vessel in the Red Sea.

This incident marks the third attack on Delta Tankers’ fleet in the Red Sea, with the 18-year-old Sounion being the latest target. The Greek owner opted not to travel in a convoy with European naval escorts, which has raised concerns. Delta Tankers is currently exploring options to move the damaged ship to a safer location for repairs.

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Industry peers have criticised Delta Tankers for their decision to carry on transiting the Red Sea in spite of the obvious risks. A Thai shipowner named Precious Shipping brought attention to the fact that certain businesses transport their crews through the hazardous Red Sea zone in order to maximise profits at the expense of their safety on social media.

This event is a part of a larger campaign by the Houthis in Yemen, who have attacked more than 100 merchant ships in the last ten months, resulting in a number of environmental catastrophes like as the sinking of the Tutor kamsarmax and the general cargo ship Rubymar.