The Xin Long Yang and the Cosnew Lake, both managed by Cosco Shipping, remain on course despite a surge in maritime violence. The vessels loaded their cargo at Yanbu over the past week. Their movement stands in contrast to the broader shipping industry, as at least two other tankers recently reversed course after the Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi oil shipments.
Chinese Tankers Navigate Red Sea Amid Houthi Blockade
Two China-operated tankers carrying Saudi crude are pressing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, ignoring Houthi threats that have already forced other vessels to retreat. While regional tensions spike following U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, these ships continue their journey, broadcasting their destination as they approach the volatile Red Sea chokepoint.
This escalation follows Houthi claims of successful strikes on the Saudi-flagged Encelia and the Layla. Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Houthi forces, stated these vessels were targeted for violating a blockade intended to choke off Saudi oil exports. The situation in the Red Sea has deteriorated rapidly alongside broader regional conflicts, including the U.S. military’s 12th wave of strikes against Iranian targets and reports of a fire on an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state media, the Houthis now assert they have successfully compelled at least nine vessels to abandon their transit through the strait.
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