Saudi shipping data show vessel transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait slowed over the weekend after Houthi militants attacked a Saudi tanker and threatened further strikes on vessels linked to Saudi ports. Carriers are reassessing voyage security

2026-07-27

Saudi shipping data show vessel transits through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait slowed over the weekend after Houthi militants attacked a Saudi tanker and threatened further strikes on vessels linked to Saudi ports. Carriers are reassessing voyage security. The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping, last week declaring a maritime blockade of the strait and warning firms not to load or unload at Saudi ports. Shipping data showed fewer than 10 bulk carriers transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend versus more than 100 merchant vessels per day before the war.