On July 23, two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) managed by COSCO Shipping successfully passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and entered the Gulf of Aden, continuing their voyage to China with approximately 4 million barrels of Saudi crude oil onboard.
The two vessels — Singapore-flagged “Xin Long Yang” and Hong Kong-flagged “Cosnew Lake” — departed from Yanbu Industrial Port, Saudi Arabia, on July 20. Their destinations are Qinzhou Port in Guangxi and Huizhou Port in Guangdong, China.
Vessels Resume Voyage After Temporary Pause
Following the announcement of a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia by the Houthi movement on July 20, the Xin Long Yang temporarily changed course and paused its voyage after completing loading operations.
The vessel resumed its southbound journey on the evening of July 22 and continued toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
According to vessel tracking data from COSCO Shipping’s marine information platform, the Xin Long Yang passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at 15:13 Beijing Time on July 23.
The Cosnew Lake followed later and entered the Gulf of Aden at 18:40 Beijing Time, continuing its eastbound route toward China.
Before entering the strait, both vessels updated their AIS (Automatic Identification System) destination information from their original Chinese discharge ports to:
“CHINA CREW & OWNER”
indicating their connection with Chinese vessel ownership and crew operations.
Red Sea Shipping Security Remains a Key Concern
According to Bloomberg reports, after Houthi forces attacked Saudi-linked oil tankers Encelia and Layla, the two COSCO-managed VLCCs continued their planned route toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait while maintaining public identification information related to China.
Meanwhile, at least nine vessels were reportedly forced to turn back due to increasing security concerns in the region.
The situation highlights the continued challenges facing international shipping routes in the Red Sea area, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Impact on Global Energy and Maritime Supply Chains
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with significant importance for global energy transportation and international trade.
Any disruption in this region may affect:
- Crude oil transportation schedules
- Vessel routing decisions
- Shipping costs and insurance premiums
- Delivery timelines for global supply chains
Shipping companies and cargo owners are increasingly focusing on route risk assessment, alternative planning, and real-time vessel monitoring to maintain supply chain stability.
The Importance of Reliable Global Logistics Solutions
With geopolitical risks and regional uncertainties continuing to influence international shipping, businesses need stronger supply chain visibility and flexible logistics strategies.
At China Vast Group, we closely monitor global shipping developments and provide comprehensive logistics solutions, including:
- Ocean freight services
- Global container transportation
- Route planning and optimization
- Supply chain risk management
By combining industry experience with real-time market insights, we help customers navigate complex international trade environments and maintain reliable cargo transportation.
