Two tankers carrying saudi oil for India exit red sea by going ‘dark’

Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude destined for India have reportedly exited the Red Sea under secrecy, turning off their AIS transponders to avoid detection. This development comes amid heightened tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, with potential implications for commercial shipping routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The decision to go “dark” aligns with strategies often employed when there is an increased risk of maritime threat or interdiction. The move has sparked further concerns about the security of vital shipping lanes, which are essential for the transportation of oil from the Middle East to markets in Asia. This incident is part of the broader Red Sea shipping crisis, where recent threats from the Houthi movement have already prompted vessels to alter their courses. The ongoing situation has particularly affected Saudi-linked shipping, with implications for countries like India that rely on these routes for oil imports. The “going dark” tactic by the tankers is indicative of a significant elevation in perceived threat levels, potentially impacting shipping costs and timelines. Markets tracking the potential closure of the Bab el-Mandeb St...