Six Saudi-flagged very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have diverted from the Bab el-Mandeb route, opting instead for a longer passage through the Indian Ocean. Ship-tracking data indicated that five of the six vessels changed their destinations on July 30, with tankers Ghinah and Laynah headed for Durban, South Africa, while Burqan initially aimed for Durban before altering its course to Algoa Bay and Port Elizabeth. The Dilam and Hazm initially targeted Gibraltar, with Hazm later changing its destination to Durban. These tankers are navigating without cargo after previous voyages to Asia, suggesting a strategic avoidance of the Red Sea route due to rising security concerns linked to threats from Yemen’s Houthi group against vessels associated with Saudi ports. Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope could extend their journey by at least two weeks.
Why It Matters
The diversion of these oil tankers highlights ongoing security issues in the Red Sea, a vital shipping lane connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Suez Canal. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is crucial for global trade, particularly for oil transport between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Increased threats from the Houthi group have raised alarms among shipowners, prompting a reevaluation of maritime routes. Historically, the region has been volatile, with conflicts often impacting shipping security and global oil markets.
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