Saudi Tankers Take Detour Around Gulf of Aden Amid Houthi Threats

Six Saudi-flagged supertankers have altered their course in the Gulf of Aden due to threats from Yemen's Houthi movement, which declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia on July 20.

The empty tankers, each capable of carrying up to two million barrels of crude oil, had been sailing towards southern Africa when they suddenly changed direction and are now heading south via the Cape of Good Hope. This route will add at least 25 days to their journey if they choose to cross the Suez Canal back to Saudi ports in the Red Sea.

The Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked ships have prompted London's marine insurance market to expand its 'high risk' zone in the Red Sea, affecting waters near more Saudi Arabian ports.