More ships avoiding Red Sea gateway after fresh Houthi threats, data shows

Following new threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels, several tankers in the Red Sea changed course on Wednesday, with some rerouting towards the Suez Canal. The Iran-aligned Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on Monday, warning ships to avoid Saudi ports, which has begun to affect tanker activity. Ship broker Clarksons noted, "There are reports of several tankers... that have shifted course towards the Suez Canal rather than sail south towards the Bab el-Mandeb strait." The European Union's Aspides naval force advised vessels with links to Israel, the US, or Saudi Arabia to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden due to increased risk. This blockade raises concerns about global energy supplies and trade, particularly for Saudi Arabia's eastbound routes from its Yanbu port.