Six Saudi supertankers turned away from the Gulf of Aden starting in late July and headed for southern Africa rather than entering the Red Sea. They were empty. The tankers had been sailing back from Asian deliveries when they altered course to bypass Bab el-Mandeb.
Yemen's Houthi movement declared a maritime ban targeting Saudi Arabia on July 20. The tankers appear to have responded by avoiding the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint entirely. Going around Africa's tip instead adds at least two weeks to the journey, according to Bloomberg.
Six Saudi Supertankers Reroute Around Africa to Avoid Houthi Threats
Interest over time · Southern Red SeaWho's watching
- GB23%
- US19%
- YE18%
- SA17%
- EG14%
- AE10%
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