Suez Canal sees gradual return of ships amid Red Sea security shifts

Suez Canal Red Sea shipping Houthi blockade maritime security tanker transits

Shipping traffic is showing signs of a gradual return to the Suez Canal, as more vessels reconsider the Red Sea route over the longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope. This trend affects both tankers and container ships, though the return is not yet universal.

Security risks remain a primary factor in route selection. Vessels with Saudi Arabian interests are particularly vulnerable following the Houthis' announcement of a naval blockade on July 20, 2026. Since that announcement, eight tankers linked to Saudi interests have been targeted. In contrast, China has established a communication channel with the Houthis to facilitate the safe passage of Chinese tankers through the region.

Maritime security data indicates a shift in flows: daily transits through the Bab el-Mandeb strait have dropped to between 30 and 33, down from approximately 47 prior to July 20. Meanwhile, tanker transits through the Suez Canal have seen an increase of roughly 27%. Decisions for individual vessels continue to depend on flag, ownership, cargo destination, insurance costs, and overall risk assessments.

Entities

Bab el-Mandeb · China · Houthis · Saudi Arabia · Suez Canal

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 13 SOURCES] China has established a communication channel with the Houthis to ensure the safe passage of Chinese tankers. www.businessdaily.gr · www.economix.gr · www.capital.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] Daily transits through Bab el-Mandeb have decreased to 30-33 from approximately 47 prior to July 20. www.businessdaily.gr · www.economix.gr · www.capital.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] The Houthis announced a special naval blockade against ships connected to Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026. www.businessdaily.gr · www.economix.gr · www.capital.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] Tanker transits through the Suez Canal have increased by approximately 27%. www.businessdaily.gr · www.economix.gr · www.capital.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +8 more
[● 13 SOURCES] Eight tankers with Saudi interests have been targeted since the blockade announcement. www.businessdaily.gr · www.economix.gr · www.capital.gr · www.emakedonia.gr · www.sofokleousin.gr · +8 more