Greek Tanker Sails Dark Through Red Sea as Chinese Ship Approaches Danger Zone

A Greek-operated tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia has exited the Red Sea with its tracking transponder switched off. The move comes as a second vessel, flagged to China, heads toward the Bab el-Mandeb strait—a chokepoint now under heightened threat from Houthi attacks. The tanker’s decision to sail “dark,” or without broadcasting its location, is a tactic used to avoid detection. Commercial ships typically keep transponders on for safety and navigation. Turning them off can signal an attempt to evade targeting by militants. The Houthi group, based in Yemen, has intensified strikes on vessels linked to Israel or its allies since late 2023. The Bab el-Mandeb strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, making it a critical route for global oil shipments. Shipping companies now face a difficult choice: risk attack by sailing openly, or go dark and violate international maritime safety rules. The Chinese vessel’s approach to the strait adds further uncertainty to one of the world’s most vital trade lanes.