HOUSTON, Dec 24 (Reuters): At least two ships transporting oil or oil products between the US Gulf Coast and India on Friday were re-routing from the Red Sea, according to vessel tracking data, as a US-led coalition geared up to help safeguard vessels from attacks by Yemen's Houthi militants.
Iran-backed Houthis, who say they are supporting Palestinians under siege by Israel in the Gaza Strip, have attacked commercial shipping with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
The Aigeorgis, which was chartered by BP to carry vacuum gasoil (VGO) from India's Jamnagar to Texas, on Friday was headed along Africa's East Coast toward the Cape of Good Hope, according to financial firm LSEG's ship tracking data.
BP's VGO shipments from Jamnagar historically moved through the Red Sea. The new route adds nine days to the journey between India and the US Gulf Coast. VGO is a refining feedstock used to produce gasoline and diesel.
A BP spokesperson declined to comment on the Aigeorgis but referred to an earlier statement on its decision to re-route ships. The company had said on Tuesday it would avoid the Red Sea and route vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
More ships carrying oil avoid Red Sea route
FE Team | Published: December 24, 2023 21:30:09
More ships carrying oil avoid Red Sea route
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