Canada is deeply concerned by the imminent environmental risks and potential humanitarian impacts posed by the FSO Safer, a tanker anchored in the waters off Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The FSO Safer is a floating storage and offloading vessel which holds 1.1 million barrels of crude oil and is in an advanced state of decay, posing the risk of a major oil spill.

“Canada is supporting UN-led efforts to prevent a catastrophic spill. The potential consequences would be devastating not only environmentally, but would also destroy livelihoods and force closures of ports Hodeidah and Saleef in Yemen, which support the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, water and health care.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

• Since 2015, Canada has provided over $300 million in funding to respond to the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected people in Yemen, including over $62 million in 2022. 

•  In addition to providing funding for humanitarian assistance, Canada has invested in peace and stability in Yemen. Since December 2018, Canada has provided over $22 million in peace and security assistance in Yemen to support the UN-led peace process.

Associated links

• Canada-Yemen relations
• UN plan for the FSO Safer tanker

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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