Maritime security firm Windward reports a sharp escalation across the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and Strait of Hormuz theatres, with Houthi forces seizing key Yemeni coastal territory, a Saudi pipeline coming under attack, and tanker freight rates hitting unprecedented levels.
Houthi Forces Expand Control Along Yemen’s Coast
According to Windward, Houthi forces launched a major offensive on September 10, seizing the Red Sea port city of Mokha along with islands in the Hanish chain north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. By September 11, the group had also taken Perim Island, positioned at the center of the strait where it narrows to roughly 20 kilometers. Windward’s Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) assesses with high confidence that the Houthis will move to consolidate control of Mokha to project further influence over the strait and restrict supply lines to the anti-Houthi coalition.
Windward notes that Houthi political figures have stated their objective is pressuring Saudi Arabia over its blockade of Yemen, and that the group does not intend to seize the Bab el-Mandeb outright. However, with Perim now under Houthi control, the report states the group has effectively taken command of the strait regardless. The Houthi-controlled Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center reportedly indicated on September 10 that the Bab el-Mandeb remains open to all traffic except shipping linked to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Pipeline Attacked, Petroline Shut Down
Windward reports that a pumping station on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, known as Petroline, was attacked on September 10, prompting a preemptive shutdown by Saudi authorities to assess damage. The pipeline had been carrying roughly 92% of Saudi seaborne crude exports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu as of June, according to the report, making it a critical workaround following the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tanker Rates Cross $1 Million a Day
Per Windward’s data, VLCC spot rates to transit Hormuz and load crude inside the Middle East Gulf were assessed at just over $1 million per day this week — equivalent to roughly $26 per barrel, or about 25% of the value of a $100 barrel of crude. Windward states these rates reflect elevated risk and rising marine insurance costs tied to what it describes as a U.S. military-assisted southern corridor, following an intensified American “tanker-for-tanker” strike campaign against Iranian-linked vessels.
Wider Incidents Reported
Windward also documents U.S. strikes on eight Iranian-linked tankers across September 5 and 8, Iranian retaliatory strikes including an attack on the tanker NEW ANDROS in Iraqi coastal waters, a missile barrage on a U.S. base in Jordan, and the hijacking of the bulk carrier GLAMOR off Yemen, which was later repelled with EU NAVFOR Atalanta and allied support.
Does This Matter to You?
The developments described by Windward point to compounding disruption across two of the world’s most critical chokepoints simultaneously. Vessel operators and charterers routing through the Strait of Hormuz or Bab el-Mandeb face a freight market where VLCC day-rates have reached levels Windward describes as unprecedented, materially altering voyage economics. Bunker traders and energy majors relying on Red Sea corridors, including the Yanbu-based Petroline route, may need to account for the pipeline’s shutdown and its knock-on effects for Saudi crude flows. Port authorities and risk monitors tracking the Bab el-Mandeb should note Windward’s assessment that Houthi forces now hold territory across nearly the entire strait, alongside broadening AIS identity signaling among transiting vessels seeking to avoid targeting.
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: Windward
