Six Saudi oil tankers are sailing away from the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint and appeared to be embarking on an unusual trip around Africa as threats from Houthi rebels upend shipping in the Red Sea.

The vessels' diversion marks a significant shift in global energy logistics, as the strategic waterway normally handles a substantial portion of seaborne oil trade. By choosing the longer Cape of Good Hope route, the tankers add weeks to their journey but avoid the escalating missile and drone attacks targeting commercial shipping.

Analysts note this rerouting could tighten tanker availability and increase freight costs if sustained. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, just 18 miles wide at its narrowest point, has become increasingly perilous since Houthi forces began targeting vessels linked to Israel and its allies in response to the Gaza conflict.

Saudi Arabia's state-owned shipping arm has not officially commented on the specific vessels, but industry tracking data confirms the unusual southern trajectory. The move underscores how regional instability is reshaping maritime trade patterns established over decades.