Six Saudi-flagged supertankers have altered their course in the Gulf of Aden, opting to head towards southern Africa instead of transiting the southern Red Sea via the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. This decision comes after Yemen’s Houthi movement threatened to target Saudi shipping.
Security Concerns
The tankers, which were empty of cargo after returning from destinations in Asia, are now sailing in formation towards southern Africa. One of the tankers, Dilam, had Gibraltar as its destination, according to ship-tracking data.
The vessels’ Saudi-based operator, Bahri, and other Saudi officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, two trade sources stated that the tankers opted to re-route via the Cape, taking into account the security situation.
The Iran-aligned Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia on July 20, opening a new front against the U.S. and its allies in the Iran war. Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked ships prompted London’s marine insurance market to widen its ‘high risk’ zone in the Red Sea, adding waters close to more Saudi Arabian ports.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
