What Crew Members Say About Xin-Long-Yang

In a significant shift, the tanker 'Xin Long Yang' from Cosco Shipping, which recently loaded a hefty two million barrels of Saudi crude at Yanbu on July 20, was forced to make a U-turn in the Red Sea on July 21, 2026. Similarly, the Dynacom Tankers Management vessel 'Rodos' (IMO: 1024948), with its cargo of approximately 700,000 barrels destined for India, redirected towards the Suez Canal instead of sailing near the Yemeni coast. This decision comes in response to alarming threats from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia, signaling potential disruptions to a critical maritime shipping route already affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, raising new challenges for global energy markets. This blockade poses a risk of significantly delayed shipments to Asian customers as tankers will now have to navigate through the Suez Canal, extending their journey via the Mediterranean Sea and around Africa. Shipping companies have been advised against loading or discharging cargoes at Saudi Arabian ports, with justifiable concerns that such actions may lead to targeted attacks in any location. Control of northern Yemen, including the vital Bab el-Mandeb, remains firmly in Houthi hands. The blockade comes on the heels of the ongoing conflict that has already hampered access to the Strait of Hormuz, thereby elevating Yanbu as a crucial alternative for Middle Eastern oil exports, which currently see millions of barrels flowing daily. In the past 24 hours, the cost of war risk insurance has increased as assessments for Saudi ports were revised on July 21. Vessels planning to call at Saudi ports are now being urged to reconsider their passage through the Red Sea, prompting discussions on enhanced mitigation efforts. The 'New Prime' (IMO: 9799123) from Associated Maritime Co. HK, set to load crude at Yanbu later this week, also turned back near Oman before entering the Red Sea. However, Yanbu is still operational, loading oil onto ships already en route or arriving through the Suez Canal. Notably, the 'Olympic Luck' (IMO: 9424211) has successfully navigated through Suez and continues its journey towards Yanbu, alongside several nearby vessels.