On 20 July 2026 the Houthis emailed shipping companies to say vessels were banned from loading or unloading at Saudi ports, warning that such ships could be attacked wherever the group can reach them, Seatrade Maritime reported, citing Reuters.
Several loaded crude tankers leaving Yanbu changed course on 21 July. Yanbu has become a major loading point for Saudi crude since the US-Iran conflict disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Alphaliner said the threat weighs more on oil moving through the Bab el-Mandeb than on Saudi container trades. Most Asia services still sail around the Cape of Good Hope, although CMA CGM and, more recently, Maersk have begun to bring some sailings back through Suez.
Sources
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