Empty supertankers are heading to Egypt's Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir to collect Saudi crude as observable traffic at the kingdom's key Red Sea export hub dwindles following threats from Houthi militants.

Supertankers are racing from different parts of the world to reach Egypt's Sidi Kerir, where Saudi Arabia is known to export some of its crude. This shift comes as shipping companies avoid the Red Sea due to attacks by Yemen-based Houthi militants targeting vessels linked to Israel.

The rerouting adds significant time and cost to oil shipments, with vessels now needing to sail around the Cape of Good Hope or use the Suez Canal-Sumed pipeline combination. Saudi Arabia's ability to maintain export volumes through alternative routes demonstrates the flexibility of global oil logistics, though at a premium.