Dubai: Two Chinese-operated oil tankers carrying crude from Saudi Arabia were on course to transit the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait on Thursday, despite renewed attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels that have heightened security concerns across one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
According to ship-tracking data cited by Bloomberg, the Xin Long Yang was approaching the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with the Cosnew Lake following closely behind. Both vessels are operated by China’s state-owned COSCO Shipping and loaded crude oil at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu export terminal within the past week.
The movements come a day after Houthi forces claimed attacks on two Saudi-owned oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating tensions following the group’s announcement of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi ports.
Another tanker, Front Tay, reportedly reappeared in the Arabian Sea after temporarily disappearing from public tracking systems, suggesting it may have crossed the strait with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched off—a practice increasingly adopted by ships navigating high-risk waters.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, is a vital gateway for global energy supplies. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow passage can significantly affect oil markets, freight costs and international trade.
Analysts say Chinese-operated vessels have generally faced a lower risk of attack than Western-linked ships, although commercial navigation through the Red Sea remains highly volatile.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that commercial traffic through the Bab al-Mandab has fallen sharply since the Houthis announced their blockade on July 20. Around 30 commercial vessels transited the strait over a recent 24-hour period, down from 64 ships the previous day, while at least six vessels reportedly altered course in response to the security threat.
Several international shipping companies continue to reroute vessels around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, while insurers have maintained elevated war-risk premiums for ships operating in the Red Sea.
The European Union Naval Force has also warned commercial vessels linked to the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia to exercise caution when operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as regional tensions continue to pose risks to international shipping.
