Red Sea Transit Hits Monthly Low Following Houthi Strikes on Saudi Oil Facilities
Commercial traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait plummeted to season lows on July 26 after Houthi forces targeted Saudi energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, transit via the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained despite a temporary pause in direct U.S.-Iran military engagements.
Maritime Chokepoints Face Severe Disruptions
Data from the tracking firm Kpler indicates a sharp decline in maritime activity within the Bab el-Mandeb strait. On Sunday, July 26, 2026, a mere 11 commodity vessels navigated the passage, marking the lowest traffic volume recorded in several months. This slowdown follows recent offensive actions by Iran-aligned Houthi forces against Saudi petroleum installations situated along the Red Sea coastline. The group aims to obstruct Saudi Arabian exports, effectively widening the scope of regional conflict beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
Detailed Vessel Movement and Regional Logistics
Of the ships recorded passing through the Bab el-Mandeb on Sunday, seven were classified as oil tankers. Specifically, three vessels entered the Red Sea, including two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) destined for the Saudi port of Yanbu and one vessel with Russian affiliations. Additionally, four ships exited the waterway through the strait on the same day. These tactical shifts come as Yemeni navy personnel from the internationally recognized government in Aden intensify patrols near Hanish Island to monitor the deteriorating security situation.
Persistent Lull in the Strait of Hormuz
Despite a cessation of direct strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces in West Asia, activity in the Strait of Hormuz remains stagnant. Weekend data reveals that throughput did not exceed 10 commodity vessels per day:
- Friday, July 24: Seven vessels transited, primarily exiting the Gulf, including two VLCCs loaded with Iraqi and Emirati crude.
- Saturday, July 25: Only three vessels navigated the strait, all operating with transponders deactivated.
- Sunday, July 26: Seven vessels completed transits, including three tankers linked to Iran carrying refined products out of the Gulf.
The convergence of Houthi maritime blockades and broader geopolitical tensions continues to stifle energy supply chains across both primary Middle Eastern transit corridors.
Source: The Hindu — World
