![The first South Korean oil tanker to arrive via the Red Sea after the Strait of Hormuz blockade docks at the GS Caltex crude oil pier in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. The vessel departed from Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia in April, when the blockade was in full effect, and was the first to enter South Korea through the Red Sea rather than the Strait of Hormuz. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/07/12/news-p.v1.20260708.94c1c65199c848b3a7a8f2b1c1d7bfd4_P1.jpg)
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Sunday that 13 South Korean oil tankers have now transited the Red Sea en route to the country.
As of 4 p.m. Sunday, one South Korean vessel that loaded crude oil at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia had safely passed through the Red Sea and was sailing toward South Korea, the ministry said. The transit marks the 13th such voyage since the first case was made public on April 17, following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
While the vessel navigated the Red Sea, the ministry conducted 24-hour real-time monitoring and provided navigational safety information. It also maintained a real-time communications system among the ministry, the shipping company and the vessel to support safe passage.
"We will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the safety of our vessels and crew and to maintain stable crude oil supply at home," the ministry said.
However, the ministry said it would not disclose specific details — including the name of the shipping company, the vessel or the charterer — out of concern for the safety of the ship and its crew.
adastra@heraldcorp.com
