Saudi Tankers Divert Around Africa Amid Houthi Maritime Blockade

The Government of Saudi Arabia has rerouted several national oil tankers to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa to avoid the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint in the Red Sea. The diversion follows a maritime blockade imposed by Iran-backed Houthi militants on July 20, 2026, which the group describes as a response to a Saudi siege on Houthi-ruled areas in Yemen.

Initial reports identified six tankers owned by the national shipping company Bahri—including the Hazm, Dilam, and Ghinah—diverting toward refueling hubs in South Africa and Gibraltar. By August 1, the Houthi group claimed the blockade had forced eight Saudi tankers to reroute, a figure Riyadh has not officially confirmed. To maintain energy exports, Saudi Arabia is diverting crude from its Yanbu port to Egypt's Sidi Kerir port via the SUMED onshore pipeline.

In response to the escalating threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Saudi Arabia and 13 other nations announced the creation of a multinational maritime defense coalition on July 31 to safeguard international trade and energy supply routes. While some vessels flagged in China and Pakistan continue to transit the Bab el-Mandeb, many operators are shifting to the Suez Canal or longer maritime routes to ensure crew and cargo safety.