Shipping Giants Pause Travel Through Red Sea Amid Attacks

Shipping Giants Pause Travel Through Red Sea

Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, two major shipping companies, are suspending their travel through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in response to attacks by Houthi militants from Yemen. The attacks are believed to be supported by Iran and are targeting vessels bound for Israel as part of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Maersk, which accounts for 14.8% of global trade, will divert its ships away from the Red Sea, while Hapag-Lloyd, controlling 7% of the global container ship fleet, will pause all container ship traffic through the Red Sea until further notice.

Maersk expressed deep concern over the security situation in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, emphasizing the safety and security of its employees as a top priority. The company has instructed its vessels to pause their journey through the Bab al-Mandab Strait until further notice. Hapag-Lloyd also acknowledged the alarming attacks on commercial vessels in the area and will decide on future actions after Monday.

Significance of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait serve as vital maritime routes connecting the Horn of Africa to the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. Container ships and exports of petroleum and natural gas from the Persian Gulf heavily rely on these waterways. Approximately 12% of global trade, including 30% of global containers, pass through the Suez Canal, which leads to the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The importance of this route was highlighted earlier this year when the container ship Ever Given was stuck in the Suez Canal for six days.

ZIM, an Israel-based ocean carrier, has already rerouted its vessels to avoid the Arabian and Red Seas due to the threats from the Houthi militants. Instead, the vessels are taking a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, adding 10 to 14 days of travel time and incurring higher fuel costs.

Calls for Action and International Engagement

In response to the recent attacks, the World Shipping Council expressed deep alarm and called for decisive action to protect seafarers. The council emphasized the fundamental right of freedom of navigation under international law and urged for resolute international engagement.

The U.S. government has been in discussions with the countries of the Combined Maritime Forces to form a maritime task force aimed at ensuring safe passage for ships in the Red Sea. Discussions are ongoing.

The escalating situation in the Red Sea and the attacks on commercial vessels are posing significant challenges to the global shipping industry. The safety and security of seafarers and the protection of international trade routes are of utmost importance in addressing these issues.