Houthi Threats Force Saudi Oil Tankers to Divert from Red Sea Route

The vessels Xin Long Yang, Rodos, and Amazon were diverted toward the Suez Canal following a direct warning from the Houthi group, which controls northern Yemen’s coastline. The militants have threatened to target any ship loading or discharging cargo at Saudi Arabian terminals. This development forces a critical shift in shipping lanes, as the Red Sea port of Yanbu had served as a vital alternative for Saudi oil exports following previous disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.

Maritime security firm Ambrey has categorized vessels calling at Saudi ports as high-risk, prompting a sharp increase in war-risk insurance premiums. While some tankers already in the area continue to operate, others have switched off their transponders to evade tracking. The diversion to the Suez Canal, rather than exiting via the Red Sea, adds significant transit time and costs, as shipments destined for Asia must now navigate around Africa or through the Mediterranean. Industry analysts suggest that if the blockade persists, Saudi crude volumes previously bound for Asian markets will likely be redirected toward Europe to avoid the hazardous Bab el-Mandeb passage.