Windward: Yemeni Naval Blockade Imposes Heavy Losses on Saudi Arabia and Redraws Oil Export Routes
A maritime intelligence report reveals a decline in Yanbu port loadings and the adoption of more costly export routes, alongside a surge in tactics to disguise Saudi oil tanker movements.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
A report released by maritime intelligence firm Windward revealed the growing repercussions of the naval blockade imposed by the Yemeni Armed Forces on Saudi-linked maritime traffic. The report emphasized that Riyadh faces mounting challenges in exporting its oil after being forced to alter shipping routes and rely on costlier, more complex alternatives.
Sharp Decline in Yanbu Port Loadings
The report explained that oil loading volumes from Yanbu port dropped significantly since July 19, falling from nearly 5.16 million barrels per day to 3.09 million barrels per day—a decline of roughly 40%—according to oil shipment tracking data from Vortexa over the past 30 days.
It noted that shipments bound for South Korea ground to a complete halt, while oil flows toward Egypt increased. This shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s reliance on an alternative route using the SUMED pipeline before shipments continue their journeys via the Cape of Good Hope.
Alternative Routes Drive Up Export Costs
The report highlighted that Riyadh’s reliance on alternative routes added extra transit time for tankers and raised shipping costs by an estimated $9 per barrel, driven by ongoing security risks in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Windward stressed that these shifts reflect the intensifying pressure on Saudi oil exports as maritime escalation continues.
“Dark Sailing” to Evade Detection
On another front, the report detailed how Saudi Arabia turned to the increased use of “dark sailing,” where crude oil tankers operating at Yanbu port stopped broadcasting Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals while berthed or maneuvering. This tactic aims to minimize their chances of detection and avoid being targeted.
It noted that all tankers currently docked at the port’s piers are operating without transmitting navigational data—a stark departure from standard practices prior to the announcement of the naval blockade.
Highest Rate of Tanker Signal Loss in Four Years
The report stated that Windward’s early warning system detected 43 crude oil tankers experiencing AIS signal gaps within the Persian Gulf in a single week—the highest rate recorded in four years.
The report also logged route changes for several tankers seeking to avoid passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, whereas Chinese-linked vessels continued to transit under the exemption announced by the Yemeni Armed Forces.
Growing Repercussions on Energy Markets
Windward concluded that the continuation of these developments could reshape the regional map of oil flows and apply further strain to global trade and energy markets. This comes as a direct result of rising transportation costs, altered supply lines, and persistent security risks facing navigation in the Red Sea.
