Two China-linked VLCCs carrying a combined 4 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil have successfully transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking one of the most closely watched voyages since Houthi threats against Saudi-linked shipping escalated. 

The Singapore-flagged Xin Long Yang and Hong Kong-flagged Cosnew Lake loaded crude at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port and continued their voyage toward China, with destinations linked to Qinzhou in Guangxi and Huizhou in Guangdong.

The voyage attracted significant attention after both vessels temporarily adjusted their routes earlier in the Red Sea amid heightened security concerns. Before crossing the chokepoint, the vessels also displayed “Chinese crew & owner” in their AIS information — a visible signal of their Chinese connection during a period of elevated geopolitical risk.

Their successful transit does not mean the risk has disappeared.

Other Saudi-linked vessels have slowed down or reassessed their routes, while traffic through key Middle East chokepoints remains significantly affected. The Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz together have become the two most closely  monitored maritime corridors in global energy transportation.