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Tankers with toxic contents stuck in the firing line

The two tankers 'Safer' and 'Yemen', containing oil and toxic waste, have been stuck in the Red Sea in the firing line between Western naval forces and Yemen's Houthi militants despite repeated efforts by the United Nations to empty and move the ships to avoid a spill. The vessels are near the port of Ras Issa, from where Iran-aligned Houthis launch missiles on ships passing through the Red Sea and where US missiles land as they target the Houthis. A million barrels of oil have been transferred from the decaying FSO 'Safer' onto the 'Yemen' in an operation that cost $121 million. The UN had hoped to move the FSO 'Safer' for disposal elsewhere and sell the oil aboard the 'Yemen'. Besides toxic sludge and wash water used to scrub oil out of the tanker, some 70,000 metric tons of residue were still onboard the FSO 'Safer'. Neither of the ships has moved since August 2023, as the Houthis and their foes in Yemen’s internationally-recognised government could not agree who should receive the money for the oil, and there was no an agreement to tow the ship away either. The UN Development Programme was in discussion with all relevant parties in Yemen about the handover of the vessel. The UNDP has not had any indication from the de facto authorities in Yemen of threats to deliberately damage the vessel. The Houthis have refused to release either of the ships, using them to increase their bargaining power. Belgium's Euronav has maintained a crew onboard the 'Yemen' since August under its contract with the UN. Once the handover process is complete, the crew will leave. Euronav scontinued to assist the UNDP to safely handover the 'Yemen', without specifying who might ultimately receive the ship.

Attacks in Red Sea threatening storage tankers

The increasing attacks in the Red Sea could pose a risk to the FSO “Safer”, still anchored off the coast of the Yemeni port of Hodeida. The continuation of the work such as cleaning of the tanks and towing it to a demolition site, was postponed for reasons of financing but also geopolitical instability in the region. The operation is not expected to resume as long as attacks continue. The UN had no choice but to interrupt the project at this stage and informed the authorities. The UN Development Program continued to monitor developments in the situation very closely. Also the 'Yemen', which had received its cargo , is still in the area with more than a million barrels of crude oil on board and within missile range.

Remaining work detailed by UN

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the remaining work aboard the FSO 'Safer' comprised the installation of the Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy, the 'Yemen' connection to it, and towing away the 'Safer' for safe recycling. The fundraising column on the website of UNDP is still open to receive the funds to finish the task. There was no update about the contract award for CALM Buoy and the towing of the 'Safer'. A top official of the UNDP confirmed that two more steps are needed to accomplish the vessel task. Installing a CALM buoy for the 'Yemen' , to which the replacement vessel will be safely tethered, is the next crucial step. The 'Safer' will not be towed away until the CALM buoy is installed.