Two Chinese very large crude carriers carrying a combined 4 million barrels of Saudi Arabian oil are heading toward the Bab el-Mandeb strait to exit the Red Sea, shipping data shows, testing whether Houthi forces will enforce a newly announced naval blockade against Saudi shipping despite ongoing regional military escalations.
Chinese Very Large Crude Carriers Test Red Sea Blockade Amid Houthi Attacks
The Singaporean-flagged VLCC Xin Long Yang resumed its southward journey late on Wednesday after making a U-turn and pausing in the middle of the Red Sea on Tuesday, according to LSEG shipping data. The vessel sailed past the Yemeni coast toward the port of Qinzhou in southern China. Following close behind, the Chinese-flagged VLCC Cosnew Lake signaled plans to discharge its cargo at the port of Huizhou in Guangdong province.
Both tankers transmitted automated identification system data indicating Chinese crews were onboard, per LSEG records. Unipec, the trading arm of Asia’s largest refiner Sinopec, chartered the vessels, which loaded crude at Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu earlier in the week. Neither Cosco Shipping, which manages both tankers, nor Sinopec immediately responded to requests for comment.
Earlier on Thursday, the Houthis announced a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers for violating their blockade, which was declared on Monday. The group claimed responsibility for drone and missile attacks on the vessels. Later that day, the Saudi Arabian news agency SPA confirmed that the Saudi vessel Encelia was attacked in the Red Sea and caught on fire, though the crew remained safe.
Did you know?
Automatic identification system (AIS) transponders broadcast a vessel’s position, speed, and course. During maritime conflicts, commercial operators frequently monitor these signals to assess transit risks through chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Traffic Volumes Drop
Ongoing Middle East conflicts have severely impacted regional shipping lanes, depressing transit volumes across critical maritime passages. According to LSEG and Kpler data, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb declined sharply while movement through the Strait of Hormuz remained subdued.
LSEG records show that 27 vessels—including five oil tankers and one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier—crossed the Bab el-Mandeb strait, down from 38 the previous day. Meanwhile, data analytics firm Kpler reported that just three vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz, falling from four the prior day and 18 the previous Wednesday. Two vessels entered the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf of Oman, including a dirty petroleum product tanker sailing through Iranian waters and a dry bulk carrier operating in dark mode with its tracking signal switched off.
As of July 20, LSEG data tracked 253 laden tankers in the Gulf, encompassing 102 oil tankers, 64 liquefied natural gas carriers, and 66 LPG carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ships are currently transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait?
The Chinese very large crude carriers Xin Long Yang and Cosnew Lake are heading toward the Bab el-Mandeb strait carrying a combined 4 million barrels of Saudi crude destined for China, according to shipping data.
How have Houthi actions affected regional oil tankers?
The Houthis announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and claimed attacks on two Saudi tankers, including the Encelia, which caught fire in the Red Sea though its crew was reported safe by the Saudi Arabian news agency SPA.
What is the status of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz?
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued amid resumed fighting between the U.S. and Iran, with Kpler data showing only three vessels transiting the passage.
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