Saudi Oil Shippers Hide Destinations from Houthi Threat

The recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have led to a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's oil shipping patterns. To avoid targeting by the Iranian-backed force, more crude carriers are now declaring Egypt or the Suez Canal as their destination instead of Saudi harbors.

The Sea Majesty is one such vessel that changed its declared destination to Ain Sukhna in Egypt. When it arrived at the Suez Canal this week, its draft indicated it had taken on crude from Yanbu inside the Red Sea while sailing dark, or with transponders off. This tactic is a direct response to the Houthi's declared blockade of Saudi ports and their recent attacks on vessels tied to the kingdom.

The rerouting of crude to Ain Sukhna and Sidi Kerir has allowed the kingdom to sustain its exports so far, but it remains uncertain whether these ports will remain safe as Iranian-backed groups expand their reach. The Houthi's campaign now includes a declared blockade of Saudi ports, which has pushed shippers to use tactics such as hiding destinations and turning off transponders.