Saudi supertankers reroute around Africa amid Houthi threats in Gulf of Aden

AIS data from LSEG and MarineTraffic shows that six Saudi-flagged supertankers altered their course in the Gulf of Aden, opting to sail around the Cape instead of transiting the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint. All six vessels were ballast-laden after completing trips to Asia and were moving in formation toward southern Africa. One tanker, Dilam, indicated Gibraltar as its intended port.

Saudi-based operator Bahri and other Saudi officials have not provided comments. According to two trade sources, the rerouting reflects security concerns and will extend each voyage by at least 25 days versus a direct Suez crossing. The decision follows the Iran-aligned Houthi movement’s July 20 proclamation of a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia, which has led London’s marine-insurance market to expand its Red Sea high-risk zone. The move underscores the broader impact of regional conflict on global oil logistics.