Saudi Arabia: Officials confirm maritime incident at Jeddah Islamic Seaport, early Dec. 14 /update 1

Event

Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed an external source caused an explosion on the BW Rhine Tanker while discharging at Jeddah Islamic Seaport, early Dec. 14. The exact cause of the blast has not been disclosed; however, previous incidents have involved the use of naval mines or possibly a waterborne improvised explosive device (WBIED). The explosion reportedly resulted in minimal damage to the vessel's bow and a limited fire that was extinguished without any injuries to crew members. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, Yemen's Al-Houthi rebels will be suspected.

Immediately following the incident, the United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a precautionary advisory for vessels operating in the affected area to exercise extreme caution. According to the UKMTO, Jeddah Islamic Seaport is closed. It remains unclear when the port will reopen.

Saudi authorities will likely intensify naval and aerial surveillance in the coming days. Heightened security measures and the Jeddah Islamic Seaport's alleged ongoing closure will likely disrupt operations and result in delays to maritime transport in the area in the coming days.

Context

There have been a number of attacks against critical Saudi infrastructure sites in recent weeks. Saudi officials blamed Al-Houthi rebels for an explosion that damaged a Maltese-flagged oil tanker while berthed at the Saudi port of Al Shuqaiq Nov. 25. Al-Houthi rebels also continue to launch weaponized drones and missiles targeting the Saudi southern provinces of Jazan, Asir, and Najran. They claimed responsibility for a missile attack against an Aramco oil distribution facility in the Burayman area of Jeddah in the early hours of Nov. 23. However, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF) intercept and destroy most projectiles before they strike their intended targets.

The Red Sea is a vital shipping artery for both cargo and global energy supplies. In recent weeks there has been an uptick in maritime incidents involving either Al-Houthi naval mines or WBIEDs in the southern Red Sea. On Nov. 27, Saudi authorities reported that they destroyed five mines that Al-Houthi rebels had laid in the Red Sea. Naval mines have been frequently used by Al-Houthis, representing a significant threat to maritime traffic due to their considerable operational range, drifting along with currents. As of Dec. 3, the Saudi-coalition claims to have disarmed at least 166 naval mines in the Red Sea. Saudi authorities have condemned Al-Houthi activities in the Red Sea as a threat to navigation and global trade.

The Dec. 14 incident appears to have had limited impact. However, if Al-Houthis were behind the incident, it would demonstrate a significant shift in the rebel group's capabilities to target international shipping in the region.

Advice

Exercise caution and reconfirm routes with maritime authorities if transiting or shipping freight through the affected port in the coming hours. Plan accordingly for localized freight and passenger maritime transport delays.