July 23, 2026
Bloomberg: China Tankers Reach Red Sea Chokepoint Despite Houthi Threat
Transit through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait declined significantly following the Houthi threats, as shown in the Kpler data in Figure 1. However, the media and several analysts have misreported and misinterpreted the recent attacks on the two Saudi oil tankers — especially after two Chinese tankers carrying Saudi crude successfully transited the Bab Al-Mandab without incident (see updated maps below). Facts and an alternative explanation are listed below.
Despite recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Chinese-owned tankers operated by Cosco Shipping are pushing through the Bab Al-Mandab chokepoint. The Xin Long Yang, loaded with Saudi crude from Yanbu, has already transited the narrow passage, with the Cosnew Lake following closely behind. The moves highlight continued commercial shipping activity through the high-risk waterway even as Houthi threats persist amid the broader Iran-related conflict.
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