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Six Saudi Supertankers Divert to Cape Route After Houthi Threats

8/4/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Six Saudi supertankers turned away from the Gulf of Aden and headed to southern Africa after Houthi threats.
The empty vessels, returning from Asia, are sailing in formation rather than through the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint.
The Cape route adds 25 days versus a Red Sea-Suez passage, leading London insurers to widen the Red Sea “high risk” zone after the Houthi embargo on July 20.

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Story summary

Six Saudi supertankers turned away from the Gulf of Aden and headed to southern Africa after Houthi threats.
The empty vessels, returning from Asia, are sailing in formation rather than through the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint.
The Cape route adds 25 days versus a Red Sea-Suez passage, leading London insurers to widen the Red Sea “high risk” zone after the Houthi embargo on July 20.