The chief executive of tanker owner DHT Holdings has said that renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels are complicating loading operations for very large crude carriers (VLCCs), according to ShippingWatch.
Svein Moxnes Harfjeld, CEO of DHT Holdings, said that “loadings have become a bit more challenging” as a result of the latest security developments linked to the Houthis, ShippingWatch reports.
Longer Transit and Loading Times
According to ShippingWatch, VLCCs are now spending more time both loading and offloading cargoes in waters around the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, and the Mediterranean. The report does not specify the exact cause of these delays beyond the renewed Houthi threats referenced by Harfjeld.
Harfjeld had earlier predicted, back in January, that 2026 would be a profitable year for supertankers, ShippingWatch notes. The latest comments suggest that operational conditions in key transit corridors remain a factor that tanker owners are actively monitoring.
ShippingWatch’s report does not detail specific incidents, vessel names, or a timeline for when these operational challenges began, nor does it provide figures on how much additional time is being added to loading and offloading operations.
Context: DHT and the Red Sea Region
ShippingWatch’s related coverage indicates that DHT Holdings has previously discussed its approach to opportunities and risks in the Red Sea region, including prior reporting on the company fixing supertankers as rates increased. However, the specific details of DHT’s current operational adjustments in response to the latest Houthi threats are not elaborated on in the available material.
Does This Matter to You?
Extended loading and offloading times for VLCCs around the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Mediterranean, as described by DHT’s CEO, could have implications for vessel scheduling and voyage planning in these corridors. Charterers, vessel operators, and traders monitoring tanker availability and transit times through these chokepoints may want to track how security conditions in the region continue to evolve.
Beyond the comments attributed to Harfjeld, the source material does not provide further detail on the scale of impact, specific rerouting decisions, or broader market consequences. The direct impact on bunkering demand or fuel procurement patterns is not addressed in this report.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch
