Shipping data shows sharp decline in visible oil loadings at Saudi Yanbu port

RIYADH, July 29 (YPA) – Reports by maritime shipping data firms, cited by Reuters, show a sharp decline in visible crude oil loadings from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu following the announcement of a blockade on Saudi ports and maritime routes.

According to maritime analytics firm AXSMarine, the number of crude oil loading voyages departing from Yanbu fell to 16 last week, down from 35 during the previous week. The company noted that its analysis is based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and may not capture vessels operating with their transponders switched off.

Meanwhile, energy intelligence firm Vortexa reported a significant increase in so-called “dark” tanker operations. The firm said several oil tankers loading at Yanbu disabled their AIS transponders to conceal their movements, with such shipments accounting for roughly one-third of the total crude volumes loaded during the week.

The developments point to growing disruption in Saudi oil shipping activity and heightened maritime concerns following the blockade announcement, as more tankers appear to be resorting to concealed loading operations to avoid maritime tracking.

@E.Y.M