According to shipping research data from Kepler and the London Stock Exchange Group, Middle East conflict disruptions have forced Saudi Arabia to reroute crude oil shipments around Africa via the Suez Canal, extending transit times by approximately one month and doubling transport costs. The maritime disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz have pushed operators to bypass traditional Red Sea choke points, fundamentally altering global energy transit economics.
Strait Disruptions Force African Rerouting and Double Transit Times
A standard oil tanker voyage from Saudi Arabia’s western Red Sea port of Yanbu through the Bab el-Mandeb strait to Asian markets typically requires 19 days. According to maritime shipping research data, routing the same cargo through the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope extends the journey to 48 days.
Financial calculations from Reuters indicate that the longer route drives fuel expenses alone from 1.26 million dollars up to approximately 2.87 million dollars. Tankers must also pay roughly 1 million dollars in Suez Canal transit tolls, significantly compounding the financial burden on exporters.
Suez Canal Transit Constraints and the Sumed Pipeline Solution
Located at the northern end of the Red Sea, the Suez Canal is one of the world’s few lockless waterways capable of handling large commercial vessels. However, data from the British energy consultancy Energy Aspects shows that water depth limits in the canal require large tankers to transit at half-load, demanding additional cargo replenishment once they enter the Mediterranean.
To manage this constraint, Saudi Arabia utilizes the 320-kilometer-long Suez-Mediterranean (Sumed) pipeline. The pipeline bypasses the Suez Canal entirely, connecting the Red Sea port of Ain Sukhna to the Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir, with a daily throughput capacity of up to 2.5 million barrels.
Aramco Expands Spot Supplies via Sidi Kerir
Before the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, Saudi Arabia’s total daily oil exports hovered around 7 million barrels. To maintain supply stability in the international market, Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) has scaled up crude deliveries via the Sumed pipeline.
Trade sources cited by Reuters reported that Aramco has recently initiated supplementary spot supplies originating from Sidi Kerir for long-term contract clients in Europe and North America, alongside shipments bound for Asia. “Now there are more cargoes available, they are offering spot crude oil to term contract customers,” one trade source stated on condition of anonymity. Reuters noted that Aramco declined to comment on the development, and exact volumes and pricing details remain unconfirmed.
Houthi Maritime Restrictions and Red Sea Escalation
The Red Sea corridor has emerged as an essential alternative channel for Saudi crude exports while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz faces persistent disruption. Following the resurgence of hostilities between the United States and Iran, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen issued threats to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
The Houthi movement announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, warning international shipping companies that vessels engaging in trade with Saudi ports could face military strikes. Subsequently, the group stated it used missiles and drones in the Red Sea to target two Saudi oil tankers that allegedly violated its embargo.
Positioned between Yemen and Djibouti, the Bab el-Mandeb strait guards the southern entrance of the Red Sea, forming a vital chokepoint alongside the Suez Canal. Analysts view the Houthi threats as a reflection of long-standing grievances with Riyadh and a tactical alignment with Iran amid broader geopolitical friction.
Did You Know? The Bab el-Mandeb strait handles a substantial share of global maritime trade volume, making it one of the most critical energy bottlenecks in international shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Saudi oil tankers rerouting around Africa?
Tankers are rerouting around Africa due to security disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz caused by Middle East conflicts, avoiding high-risk zones despite a doubling of transport costs and a month-long delay.
How does the Sumed pipeline help bypass the Suez Canal?
The 320-kilometer Sumed pipeline connects Ain Sukhna on the Red Sea to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean, allowing up to 2.5 million barrels of oil per day to bypass the physical draft limits and transit fees of the Suez Canal.
What role does the Bab el-Mandeb strait play in energy transport?
Located between Yemen and Djibouti, the Bab el-Mandeb strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, serving as a vital southern gateway for oil tankers moving from Middle Eastern producers to European and Asian markets.
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