The Houthi militia in Yemen has declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. In simple terms: ships are no longer supposed to call at Saudi ports. According to the Houthis, anyone loading or unloading cargo there could later become a target of attack – even outside the Red Sea.
The threat is therefore not limited to ships flying the Saudi flag. International tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships that have previously called at a Saudi Arabian port could also be affected.
Shipping companies are already responding. The Xin Long Yang had loaded approximately two million barrels of crude oil for China at the Saudi port of Yanbu. Instead of heading towards Asia through the Bab al-Mandab strait, the tanker turned around and set course for the Suez Canal.
The Rodos, carrying around 700,000 barrels of crude oil bound for India, also turned back. The New Prime, which was only supposed to head to Yanbu, changed its course before entering the Red Sea.
Bab al-Mandab is the narrow strait between Yemen and East Africa. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Shipping typically passes through this strait when traveling from Yanbu to Asia.
If Bab al-Mandab is avoided, ships in the northern Red Sea have only one option: to return through the Suez Canal, then through the Mediterranean Sea and around Africa. This can mean several weeks of additional transit time.
The Saudi port of Yanbu continues to operate for now. Tankers already in the Red Sea or arriving via the Suez Canal continue to be loaded. Saudi Arabia has announced it will protect its merchant fleet and respond decisively to any attacks.
The situation is therefore serious, but cannot yet be equated with a complete blockade. What will be decisive is whether attacks actually occur and whether more shipping companies avoid Bab al-Mandab.