Saudi Arabia redirects cargo routes away from Hormuz Strait

Saudi Arabia is redirecting maritime trade to its western ports on the Red Sea in an effort to bypass the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where vessels have been targeted by Iran during the ongoing conflict.

According to US media, ships travelling to and from the kingdom’s eastern ports on the Persian Gulf normally pass through the strait. However, the waterway has effectively been closed since the start of the war with Iran.

Under the new initiative, Saudi authorities plan to reroute trade through ports located along the Red Sea coast. Additional logistics routes will also be established to handle containers and cargo redirected from Gulf ports.

Saleh Al‑Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said the country’s transport infrastructure is functioning efficiently despite the disruptions.

“The transport and logistics system… is operating efficiently, expanding the capacities of ports, airports and transport networks to ensure stable supply chains,” Al-Jasser said while visiting a Red Sea port, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The measures are aimed at maintaining stable supply chains and ensuring the continued flow of trade despite disruptions to shipping routes in the Gulf region.

By Tamilla Hasanova