Saudi Arabia faces mounting pressure on its primary oil export routes, prompting renewed interest in alternative shipment methods. A shuttle service that slips oil through the Strait of Hormuz now looks like the kingdom's best fallback.

The Wall Street Journal Markets reports that recent disruptions in the Red Sea and tensions near the Suez Canal have left Riyadh searching for reliable ways to move crude to global markets. Shipping through the strait, long considered risky due to geopolitical friction, is gaining traction among energy analysts.

Industry sources say the shuttle tanker model could bypass chokepoints and reduce transit times, though insurance and security costs remain high. The approach echoes strategies used during previous supply shocks.

Officials in Saudi Arabia have not publicly confirmed plans to expand strait shipments, but energy traders note increased chartering activity by Saudi Aramco vessels. The shift highlights the kingdom's ongoing efforts to secure oil flows amid evolving regional threats.