Two oil tankers loaded with Saudi crude destined for India have exited the Red Sea by disabling their tracking systems, a move designed to evade detection by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
The vessels, which had previously reversed course to avoid navigating the Yemeni coast, opted for the longer route via the Suez Canal after receiving direct threats.
By going 'dark,' the ships sought to minimize their exposure to potential attacks in the volatile corridor.
The incident underscores the enduring vulnerability of key energy trade routes, even as broader geopolitical tensions have shown signs of easing.
While oil prices have stabilized near pre-conflict levels in recent weeks, the willingness of shippers to employ evasion tactics highlights the persistent risk premium embedded in Red Sea transit.
This development adds to a growing list of shipping disruptions, including recent claims by Ukraine of strikes on Russian tankers in the Black Sea, which have further complicated global logistics.