South Korean oil tankers reroute through Red Sea amid Hormuz closure

May 23 (Asia Today) -- A South Korean oil tanker is continuing crude oil transport through the Red Sea as an alternate route after the Strait of Hormuz was closed amid the Middle East war, officials said Saturday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said one domestic tanker had safely passed through the Red Sea and was sailing toward South Korea as of 4 p.m. The ship reportedly loaded crude oil at Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port.

It was the fifth Red Sea transit by a South Korean tanker since the Hormuz closure.

South Korean tankers began using the Red Sea route in mid-April after the Strait of Hormuz was blocked. The first tanker to use the alternate route arrived May 7 at GS Caltex's crude oil pier in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.

The government is strengthening vessel safety management and crude supply measures as Middle East risks may persist. The ministry said it operated a 24-hour real-time monitoring system during the voyage and provided navigation safety information.

Officials also maintained real-time communication channels with shipping companies and vessels to respond to emergencies.

Industry officials are watching for possible increases in logistics burdens and transport costs for South Korea's refining and petrochemical sectors if the Hormuz closure continues. Still, analysts say the government's coordination with shipping companies to expand Red Sea rerouting has reduced the risk of major crude supply disruptions.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260523010006823

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 4:11 PM.