Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – A recent report by the maritime data analytics firm Windward indicates that 22 vessels owned, operated, or registered in China successfully transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait or docked at Saudi ports between July 20 and August 2. This occurred without any reported security incidents or attacks. In contrast, the same period witnessed an escalation in Houthi attacks. These attacks targeted four Saudi oil tankers on three separate days. This followed the Houthi group’s declaration in Yemen that all shipments bound for Saudi Arabia constitute legitimate targets.
Windward explained in its report that the Houthi attacks targeted the oil tankers Incilia, Leila, NCC Massa, and NCC Ghazal. The analysis highlighted a paradox. The ships linked to China transited the strait on the same days as the attacks or immediately afterward. None of the 22 ships under surveillance were subjected to any attack, inspection, or even declared threats.
Intense business activity and regular shipping operations
The report highlighted the volume of trade and energy transfers, noting that four Chinese supertankers, with a combined capacity of 1.23 million tons, loaded Saudi crude oil at King Fahd Port and transported it to China via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Two of these tankers transited the strait the day after the attacks on the tankers Ansiliya and Leila.
Furthermore, five Chinese-flagged vessels operated direct commercial voyages between Chinese ports and Saudi Arabia during the same period.
Regarding maritime safety and tracking systems, the company noted that Chinese vessels never switched off their tracking systems. All of them passed through continuously, transmitting their signals. This contrasts sharply with the behavior of Saudi vessels. The port of Yanbu has been operating in complete silence since August 25th. Furthermore, Windward identified another operational pattern. Many Chinese vessels were waiting in the port for extended periods, ranging from 127 to over 259 hours, awaiting clearance to proceed.
Indicators of regional coordination and critical risk assessment
Windward confirmed that this data aligns with intelligence reports indicating on-the-ground coordination between China and the Houthis on a case-by-case basis. This understanding is also known to Tehran. According to the reports, China has held direct talks with the Houthis to ensure the safe passage of its ships and crews, while keeping Iran informed of these arrangements.
In its concluding remarks, Windward assessed the operational risk environment in vital maritime chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the northern Arabian Gulf, and the eastern Mediterranean, as “critical.” It also emphasized that the different access and treatment rules granted to vessels linked to China are now in effect and clearly visible across various maritime fronts.
