Two oil tankers transporting Saudi Arabian crude oil to India successfully exited the Red Sea by temporarily switching off their tracking systems, a move known as sailing "dark." The decision came after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a blockade targeting Saudi oil shipments in the region.

The vessels managed to pass through the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, before continuing their journey toward India.

The development highlights the growing security risks in the Red Sea and raises fresh concerns over global energy supplies and shipping safety.

Why Did the Tankers Sail 'Dark'?

The two vessels switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders around July 22, preventing their movements from being publicly tracked.

According to sources familiar with the operation, this is a standard safety practice for ships navigating conflict zones where there is a high risk of attacks.

One source said the tracking systems were disabled purely for security reasons and confirmed that both vessels are safely heading toward India.

Which Tankers Were Involved?

The two crude oil tankers are:

1. Amazon

• Type: Suezmax tanker
• Chartered by: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)
• Cargo: Around 1 million barrels of Saudi crude oil
• Destination: Chennai, India
• Expected Arrival: Early August

2. Rodos

• Type: Aframax tanker

• Carrying: Around 700,000 barrels of Saudi crude
• Consignee: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL)
• Destination: Mangalore Port
• Expected Arrival: August 1

Both vessels loaded crude oil from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu Port around July 20.

Initially, they appeared to head north toward the Suez Canal before changing course and sailing south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with their tracking systems turned off.

Why Is the Red Sea Becoming Dangerous?

The Red Sea has become one of the world's most dangerous shipping routes due to increasing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The Houthis recently announced a blockade targeting Saudi oil shipments, creating serious risks for commercial vessels transporting crude oil through the region.

Shipping companies are now taking additional precautions, including disabling AIS transponders and rerouting vessels, to reduce the chances of being targeted.

Previous Attacks Raised Security Concerns

The decision to sail "dark" came after two other tankers managed by Dynacom Tankers were reportedly struck by projectiles.

Those vessels were:

• Kavomaleas (Malta-flagged)
• Acheloos (Liberian-flagged)

Following those incidents, shipping companies increased security measures for vessels operating in the Red Sea.

Dynacom Tankers, which manages both the Amazon and Rodos, did not immediately comment on the latest voyage.

Indian Refiners Adjust Oil Import Strategy

Indian refiners are adapting to the security challenges in the region.

Many companies are now purchasing Middle Eastern crude oil on a delivered basis, allowing sellers to assume transportation risks.

Meanwhile, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has reportedly stated in its latest tender that it will only purchase crude oil shipped on routes that avoid both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz whenever possible.

This reflects growing concerns over disruptions to oil supplies caused by regional conflicts.

Did India Seek Safe Passage?

It remains unclear whether the Indian government held discussions with the Houthi leadership or Iranian authorities to ensure the safe passage of the vessels.

According to reports, Indian refiners had approached the government for assistance due to rising security threats affecting crude oil shipments.

Neither India's Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Oil Corporation, nor MRPL immediately commented on the matter.

Why This Matters

India imports more than 80% of its crude oil requirements, making uninterrupted maritime transport essential for energy security.

Any disruption in the Red Sea shipping route can:

• Increase global oil prices
• Raise shipping and insurance costs
• Delay crude oil deliveries
• Affect fuel prices worldwide
• Impact global supply chains

Although both tankers have safely exited the Red Sea, the incident highlights the continuing geopolitical risks facing international energy markets.

The successful passage of the Amazon and Rodos demonstrates the extraordinary measures shipping companies are taking to protect valuable energy cargo amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea.

As conflicts continue to threaten one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, governments, oil companies, and shipping operators are expected to closely monitor developments to ensure the secure movement of global energy supplies.