Vessel traffic declines by over 40% in Bab Al-Mandab Strait

The number of tankers passing the Red Sea’s southern end experienced a steep decline amid increased threats of attacks on ships in the area.

Vessel traffic declined by more than 40% compared to a three-week average. Only about 30 tankers, including crude oil and fuel carriers, entered the Bab al-Mandab Strait this week, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

Global shipping giants are rerouting vessels away from the Red Sea, which disrupts a key artery of global trade.