Vantage | 3 reasons why Russian ships continue to sail in Red Sea

In the turbulent waters of the Red Sea, where major shipping companies are steering clear, oil prices are skyrocketing, and governments are on edge, one nation stands out as an exception – Russia. Despite the escalating challenges in the region, Russian tankers continue to sail through the Red Sea, maintaining their crucial trade routes.

Unfazed Russian tankers While many shipping companies have opted to reroute vessels and avoid the Red Sea due to heightened tensions and security risks, Russian tankers appear immune to such concerns. Reports indicate that Russian vessels, predominantly carrying crude oil, are steadfastly navigating the Red Sea, charting a course from the Black Sea, through the Mediterranean, crossing the Suez Canal, and reaching the ports of India and China. Three-fold immunity The question arises: How is Russia managing to navigate this perilous route unscathed when almost a dozen ships have fallen victim to attacks in the same region? Here are three key reasons behind Russia’s apparent immunity: Strategic alliances and ideological symmetry: Russia’s close ties with Iran play a pivotal role in safeguarding its ships. Iran, as a supporter of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, may have influenced the rebels to spare Russian vessels. Additionally, there exists an ideological symmetry between Russia and the Houthi rebels concerning issues such as the conflict in Gaza, where Russia seeks Israeli intervention. Shadow fleet strategy: Russia, facing sanctions on the use of Western ships and tankers, has employed a unique strategy – the use of a “shadow fleet.” Comprising older tankers purchased mostly after 2022, these vessels are slower and harder to maintain. However, crucially, they lack direct links to Israel, making them immune to Houthi attacks targeting ships associated with Israel. Economic compulsions: Russia’s dominance in crude oil flows through the Suez Canal is a critical factor. With the canal accounting for 10 per cent of global crude oil flows and Russia contributing significantly, rerouting would mean a substantial increase in shipping time and costs. As India’s Russian oil imports hit an 11-month low and alternative sources like Saudi Arabia gain traction, Russia faces the risk of losing its market share in India and China, which together consume 90 per cent of Russia’s oil exports. A risky political and financial gamble While Russia’s decision to maintain its Red Sea route may seem strategic in maintaining its economic advantage, recent events underscore the inherent risks. An oil tanker, the MV Sai Baba, sailing from Russia to India, fell victim to Houthi missiles, revealing that not every tanker can be shielded as a shadow vessel. As the Houthi rebels resort to random strikes, the safety of Russian ships remains uncertain. In conclusion, Russia’s insistence on navigating the Red Sea amid escalating tensions appears to be a risky political and financial gamble. Whether this gamble will pay off or lead to significant repercussions remains uncertain, but the geopolitical and economic stakes are undoubtedly high. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.