Saudi Aramco moves crude exports to Egypt's Sidi Kerir as Houthi Red Sea attacks intensify

Saudi Aramco has begun offering additional spot‑sale volumes of crude oil for loading at the Egyptian Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir. The oil is piped through the Sumed pipeline from the Red Sea port of Ain Sukhna, allowing the kingdom to bypass its traditional Red Sea export hub at Yanbu after Iran‑backed Houthi militants launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi tankers, one of which suffered a major fire.

At least eight very large crude carriers, including the VLCCs Bidbid, VL Bright and Taga, have been rerouted to Sidi Kerir, with several more managed by South Korea’s Sinokor Group. Insurance providers have tightened coverage for vessels calling at Saudi ports, prompting shipowners to seek the Egyptian transit corridor. The shift aims to preserve Saudi Arabia’s crude supply to Europe and North America while reducing exposure to asymmetric maritime warfare in the Red Sea.