Iran-backed Houthi threats have disrupted Red Sea trade; ballast VLCCs are
rerouting to Egypt’s Mediterranean port Sidi Kerir to load Saudi crude while
observable vessel traffic at key Saudi Red Sea export hubs is falling.
Ship-tracking data show at least eight VLCCs have set Sidi Kerir as destination,
with arrivals scheduled in the coming weeks through mid-August. After an
Iran-backed Houthi attack on a vessel in the Red Sea last week, ARAMCO has
increased supplies via the Egyptian port. On Tuesday no tankers were observed
berthed at Saudi Red Sea port Yanbu; some ships may have turned off AIS
transponders and could be loading outside monitored channels.
