Three Saudi crude oil tankers bound for China and India turned back in the Red Sea on Tuesday after Yemen’s Houthi militants threatened attacks on vessels linked to Saudi ports.
The Xin Long Yang, Rodos and Amazon changed direction while heading towards the Suez Canal, shipping reports indicated, in a move that signals fresh risks to key maritime routes already strained by regional tensions.
The Iran-aligned Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on Monday, warning that ships loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports could be targeted “in any location”. The group controls parts of Yemen’s coast near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the southern gateway to the Red Sea.
British maritime security firm Ambrey urged caution, stating: “Vessels calling at Saudi Arabian ports are advised to reconsider transiting the Red Sea and to consider implementing enhanced mitigation measures.” It assessed such vessels as being at “high risk”.
The U-turns come as a potential second major disruption to global energy shipping, compounding concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn the developments could further tighten oil supplies and affect trade routes beyond the Gulf.
The Houthis have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza, though the latest move directly escalates pressure on Saudi Arabia.
