Ships continue Red Sea transit despite attacks and Houthi blockade, reports NYT
Washington, DC, July 25
Dozens of vessels continue to navigate the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait despite persistent threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to a New York Times analysis of shipping data.
However, the report highlighted that growing uncertainty regarding the conflict and maritime safety is forcing several ships to alter course and execute U-turns before completing their journeys.
In the past week, Houthi rebels in de facto control of Yemen targeted at least three oil tankers, with the latest strike occurring on Friday.
Any sustained disruption in the Red Sea threatens to deal a fresh blow to global commerce, which is already reeling under the strain of the expanding Middle East conflict.
The war between the United States and Iran, now in its fifth month, has severely curtailed transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor that previously carried approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies.
In response to the hostilities, Saudi Arabia has been rerouting millions of barrels of crude oil daily via an overland pipeline connecting the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. A significant portion of that crude oil subsequently exits through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow choke point situated adjacent to Houthi-controlled territory.
That alternative supply line faces heightened risk after the Houthis announced plans earlier this week to target shipping linked to Saudi Arabia.
Initial indicators reflected immediate disruption, with nearly a dozen vessels either turning back or completely avoiding the strait, according to tracking data from maritime firm Kpler.
Nevertheless, Kpler data indicated that maritime activity has not slowed uniformly, recording 43 vessels crossing the Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday, an increase from 35 the previous day, even after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers.
A Saudi-linked vessel was also targeted in the Red Sea on Friday, with officials confirming minor damage and zero casualties, allowing the ship to proceed along its transit route.
The Red Sea region has served as a recurring geopolitical flashpoint. In 2024, the Houthis repeatedly launched attacks against vessels linked to Israel, framing the operations as a response to the conflict in Gaza.
As maritime risks escalate, several shipping operators are considering northern transit options via the Suez Canal. However, the route is both longer and more expensive, while the canal itself cannot accommodate fully laden supertankers, forcing logistical transfers to smaller vessels or pipelines, which tighten overall market capacity and elevate operational costs.
With concurrent disruptions across both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, analysts estimate that approximately a quarter of global oil supply is currently exposed to risk.
The escalating uncertainty has driven benchmark crude prices upward, with Brent crude nearing USD 100 per barrel this week, marking its highest level in roughly two months.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Houthis targeting Saudi oil tankers is a dangerous escalation. But let's be honest, the US and Iran proxy war has been destabilising the region for decades. India needs to play a more active diplomatic role here, we have good relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Why can't we use our G20 leadership to mediate? Instead we just watch our fuel prices rise.
As a logistics professional, I can tell you this is already causing chaos in shipping schedules. Our company had to reroute two shipments through the Cape of Good Hope last week, adding 10 days and 20% fuel cost. Small and medium importers are the worst hit, they don't have the cash flow to absorb these shocks. The government should consider subsidising alternative routes for essential goods.
Interesting that despite the attacks, ship traffic actually increased last Thursday. It shows the resilience of global trade, but also the desperation. Oil at $100/barrel again? That's going to hurt everyone from Indian auto drivers to American consumers at the pump. The world really needs a diplomatic solution, not just military posturing from all sides.
Houthis are playing a dangerous game targeting Saudi tankers. But the real issue is the US-Iran conflict disrupting Hormuz for 5 months now. India already suffered when oil prices crossed $120 in 2022. We need our own energy security - more nuclear power, more EV adoption, more domestic exploration. Can't keep being held hostage by every regional conflict. Period.
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