Saudi Oil Shipper Navigates Bab al-Mandeb Strait with Positioning Systems Disabled Amid Rising Security Threats
At least one Saudi oil tanker has transited the Bab al-Mandeb strait with its positioning systems turned off amid escalating security risks for shipping in the Red Sea this week. The incident follows declarations by Houthi forces to blockade Saudi shipments and target vessels off the coast of Yemen, creating a volatile environment for maritime commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways.
The Merbabu, a vessel owned by a Greek company and fully loaded with Saudi crude oil, passed through the Bab al-Mandeb strait in "dark mode" - a method that many shipping lines and oil tanker operators have employed for months to move undetected and evade potential hostile threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Merbabu reappeared in the Arabian Sea on Thursday evening with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals activated. The vessel's previous broadcast had originated from the Red Sea, according to vessel tracking data monitored by Bloomberg.
According to data on MarineTraffic, in the Merbabu's previous broadcast from three days earlier in the Red Sea, the vessel publicly transmitted the signal "NO LINK ISRAEL UK US."
Current Shipping Traffic Situation at Bab al-Mandeb
Traffic through Bab al-Mandeb has not collapsed, unlike the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, and vessels - particularly those not carrying Saudi oil - continue to move in and out of the Red Sea as of last Friday.
Earlier this week, Iran-aligned Houthi forces announced they were expanding their campaign against maritime traffic by targeting Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb strait - a crucial chokepoint on the Red Sea where Saudi Arabia has redirected most of its crude oil exports to circumvent the Strait of Hormuz.
Summary of Shipping Traffic in the Red Sea
| Vessel Type | Current Status | Specific Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese-flagged oil tankers | Continuing operations | Two Chinese oil tankers have passed through Bab al-Mandeb |
| Saudi Arabian oil tankers | Operating in "dark mode" | Merbabu with positioning systems disabled |
| Other product carriers | Avoiding the area | Torm Innovation (Denmark) has reversed course |
Oil tankers bound for China appear to still be transiting Bab el-Mandeb, though other vessels, including the Danish-flagged product tanker Torm Innovation, have reversed course in the Red Sea and are now heading north toward the Suez Canal.
Impact Analysis and Industry Responses
In response to the situation, maritime intelligence firm Windward stated last Monday: "Two Chinese-flagged oil tankers, with Chinese crews, bound for China, loaded at Yanbu and transited Bab al-Mandeb without apparent incident."
"Enforcement is adjusted based on crew and ownership, not cargo. Saudi oil continues to move as long as the vessel carrying it is outside the targeting scope," the company emphasized.
Details about the Merbabu Incident
- Ownership: Greek company
- Cargo: Saudi crude oil
- Positioning status: Disabled when passing through Bab al-Mandeb
- Special signal: "NO LINK ISRAEL UK US"
- Destination: Arabian Sea
Geopolitical Context
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is one of the world's most important maritime shipping routes, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Approximately 8-10% of global trade passes through this strait, including crude oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe and the Americas.
The expansion of Houthi operations in this area comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and its proxy forces increasingly targeting Western interests and their allies in the region.
The "dark mode" tactic employed by the Merbabu is not new. It has been widely used by shipping lines for months, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, where vessels often turn off their Automatic Identification Systems to avoid detection and potential attacks.
Impact on the Oil Market
Despite security concerns, the oil market has remained relatively stable this week. Analysts note that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated remarkable adaptability by redirecting most of its oil exports through Bab al-Mandeb rather than Hormuz, minimizing risks from direct confrontations.
However, potential disruptions in the Red Sea remain a factor to monitor closely, particularly if the situation escalates. Any significant disruption to oil shipping through the region could lead to global oil price volatility.
Conclusion
The Merbabu's transit through the Bab al-Mandeb strait with positioning systems disabled illustrates the maritime industry's adaptation to increasing security threats. While Houthi forces have declared a blockade on Saudi shipments, the reality shows that the industry continues to find ways to transport goods, particularly crude oil, to their intended markets.
The situation in the Red Sea continues to be a hotspot requiring close monitoring, with potential impacts not only on maritime security but also on global energy stability. Further developments in the region could reshape oil shipping routes and the energy security strategies of regional and global nations.