Empty Saudi oil tankers have turned away from the Red Sea chokepoint Bab el-Mandeb in the Arabian Sea, heading south around Africa in a western direction to bypass regional security threats, according to vessel-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg. The unusual maritime diversions follow Houthi threats to Saudi shipping and actual attacks on tankers, prompting Saudi Arabia to re-route crude oil exports through Egypt.
Red Sea Chokepoint Threats Force Tanker Rerouting
The Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen announced a blockade on Saudi shipments in the southern Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to reported statements. In response, Saudi Arabia and Western operators have diverted laden tankers to Egypt’s Suez Canal to bypass the contested strait. At least half a dozen empty Saudi tankers turned away from Bab el-Mandeb after the threats emerged.
The affected vessels are indicating destinations including Gibraltar, as well as the South African ports of Durban and Algoa Bay, which serve as major refueling hubs, based on Bloomberg vessel-tracking data. Taking the round-Africa trip adds at least two weeks to a supertanker’s journey compared to a northward route through Bab el-Mandeb toward the Suez Canal.
Did you know?
Diverting a supertanker around Africa adds at least two weeks to the journey compared to a trip through Bab el-Mandeb northward toward the Suez Canal.
Egyptian Pipelines Absorb Redirected Crude Flows
As maritime tactics shift, more than half a dozen empty supertankers traveled toward Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port to pick up Saudi crude, according to early-week vessel tracking. Saudi Arabia, recognized as the world’s top crude oil exporter, is utilizing its pipeline infrastructure to maintain supply chains.
Crude is being shuttled on tankers from Yanbu across the Red Sea to the Egyptian port of Ain Sukhna. From there, the oil moves through the SUMED onshore pipeline directly to Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port, according to industry tracking. At least eight empty very large crude carriers (VLCCs) signaled Sidi Kerir as their destination, with arrivals expected within two to three weeks.
Wider Impact on Asian and European Trade Routes
The security situation has also impacted eastbound shipments. At least one oil tanker carrying Saudi crude to Asia has been forced to abandon standard paths in favor of a much longer voyage through the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean, and around Africa, according to Bloomberg data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Saudi oil tankers avoiding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?
Tankers are bypassing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait due to Houthi threats and actual attacks on Saudi shipping in the southern Red Sea, according to vessel-tracking data and industry reports.
Where are the diverted empty tankers heading?
According to Bloomberg data, the redirected empty tankers are indicating destinations such as Gibraltar and the South African ports of Durban and Algoa Bay for refueling, or heading toward Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port to load crude via pipeline.
How much longer does the round-Africa route take?
A round-Africa trip adds at least two weeks to a supertanker’s journey compared to the standard northern route through Bab el-Mandeb and the Suez Canal.
How is Saudi Arabia maintaining exports despite the Red Sea blockade?
Saudi Arabia is shuttling crude from Yanbu to Egypt’s Ain Sukhna port, moving it through the SUMED onshore pipeline, and loading it onto tankers at Sidi Kerir port, according to vessel-tracking records.
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