Yanbu Port Sees Surge in Oil Tanker Activity Amid Houthi Threats
Saudi Arabia's Yanbu Port has seen a surge in oil tanker activity as security risks continue to reshape regional shipping routes. The kingdom is adapting its crude export routes amid threats from Houthi rebels, who announced a blockade targeting Saudi ports two weeks ago.
According to satellite imagery captured by the European Union's Sentinel-2 satellite, five very large crude carriers (VLCCs) were berthed at Yanbu's oil-loading terminals on Saturday. This makes it potentially the port's busiest day since the Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced their blockade.
Tankers carrying Saudi crude loaded at Yanbu have been sailing through Bab el-Mandeb with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders switched off, a tactic known as 'dark' mode. This has raised concerns about regional security incidents posing risks for commercial shipping.