Saudi Supertankers Reroute Around Africa Amid Houthi Threats

On August 3, ship-tracking data from LSEG and MarineTraffic indicated that six Saudi-flagged supertankers altered their course in the Gulf of Aden and began sailing in formation toward southern Africa. The vessels, empty after delivering cargo in Asia, bypassed the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea-Suez Canal corridor, opting instead for the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. One tanker, the *Dilam*, listed Gibraltar as its destination.

Times of IsraelThe Straits Times

The rerouting follows the Iran-aligned Houthi movement’s declaration on July 20 of a maritime embargo targeting Saudi shipping. The group has threatened to attack Saudi vessels, expanding its campaign against Saudi interests and their allies in the broader Iran-U.S. conflict.

The Straits Times

Trade sources cited in the reports said the decision reflects the operators’ assessment of the security situation. By avoiding the Red Sea, each tanker adds at least 25 days of sailing time compared with a transit through the Suez Canal, according to calculations referenced by Reuters. The vessels each have a capacity of up to two million barrels of crude oil, meaning the detour could affect the timing of crude deliveries to downstream markets.

The Straits Times

Saudi-based operator Bahri and other Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment at the time of reporting. No public statements from the Saudi government or the Houthi movement were provided in the source material.

The Straits Times

The shift underscores heightened risk perceptions among Saudi shipping interests and has prompted London’s marine-insurance market to expand its “high-risk” zone in the Red Sea, covering waters near Saudi ports. The longer African route may increase freight costs and delay oil supply chains, while also illustrating how non-state actors can influence global energy logistics through maritime threats.

The Straits Times