Saudi tankers reroute around Africa to avoid Red Sea blockade

Six oil tankers sailing under the Saudi Arabian flag have altered their routes, bypassing the Red Sea for a significantly longer voyage around the entire continent of Africa. This decision adds at least two weeks to their travel time, according to CNN, citing maritime tracking data.

The rerouting is a direct response to a declaration by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Houthis have announced a blockade of the Red Sea, threatening to target any Saudi ships attempting to pass through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea.

Maritime tracking website MarineTraffic shows the six vessels departed from the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Oman. They are now proceeding along the coast of East Africa. Some of the tankers list new destinations in South African ports, while one is reportedly headed for Gibraltar, at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.

This development highlights the growing impact of regional instability on global shipping routes. The decision by Saudi tankers to take a much longer, more costly route underscores the perceived risk associated with navigating the Red Sea amid the ongoing conflict and threats.