Satellite Imagery Reveals Surge in Saudi Crude Loading at Yanbu
Commercial shipping tracking data reveals an uptick in vessel traffic passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on the Red Sea compared to previous days. According to Bloomberg data, satellite imagery captured five very large crude carriers (VLCCs) docked at oil-loading terminals in Yanbu on a single Saturday, marking the busiest day for the Saudi Red Sea port since Houthi forces announced a maritime blockade against Saudi-linked shipping two weeks earlier.
The images were captured by the European Union’s Sentinel-2 satellite, which passes over the region every few days, according to Bloomberg. The port of Yanbu has assumed critical importance for Saudi oil exports following regional military escalations that disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and halted Saudi shipments through Gulf ports. State operators currently pump crude oil from production fields through pipelines to Yanbu for export to global markets, bypassing traditional Gulf outlets.
Tactical Vessel Movements and Dark Shipping Off Oman
In separate operations, two very large crude carriers—the Suezmax vessel Lesbos and the Indian-flagged Dish Vaibhav—traversed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait while carrying Saudi crude loaded at Yanbu, according to marine data firms Vortexa and Kpler. Both tankers turned off their transponders during the passage. Analytics providers report that the vessels reappeared in waters off Oman after previously broadcasting signals near the Red Sea port.
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While some operators obscure their positions, other tankers continue to transit the strait openly, including vessels carrying Russian crude. However, regional threats have forced certain Saudi shipments onto extended African routes. Cargoes travel north through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean and around the Cape of Good Hope, or transfer via the Sumed pipeline to Egypt’s Sidi Kerir terminal on the Mediterranean coast before reloading onto tankers for Asian markets.
Strait of Hormuz Risks and Unprecedented Gulf Outflows
Security concerns extend beyond the Red Sea. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier transporting a Qatari cargo was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing hazards for shipowners in the region, according to logistics trackers. Traffic through Hormuz remained sparse following the incident.
Despite security threats, crude oil continues to exit the Gulf primarily aboard tankers that disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders during the Hormuz transit. Vessel tracking data compiled by maritime authorities shows that more than 8.4 million barrels left the Gulf, marking one of the highest daily flow rates recorded since military engagements began in late February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Port of Yanbu critical for Saudi oil exports?
Yanbu serves as the primary alternate export hub for Saudi crude after regional conflicts halted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf terminals. Oil is transported via inland pipelines directly to Yanbu on the Red Sea.
How are oil tankers avoiding threats in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?
Tankers employ several strategies, including turning off transponders during chokepoint crossings—as observed with the Lesbos and Dish Vaibhav—or diverting entirely around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, according to data from Vortexa, Kpler, and Bloomberg.
Are any oil and gas shipments still moving openly through the region?
Yes. While some vessels utilize dark shipping methods, other commercial carriers, including tankers transporting Russian crude, continue to pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait openly.
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