Danish shipping giant Maersk has declared a temporary suspension of all voyages through the Red Sea due to a series of attacks on vessels originating from a region in Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebel movement. The rebels have expressed support for Hamas and claimed responsibility for targeting ships en route to Israel. The Red Sea, a critical route for oil and fuel shipments, has witnessed increased security concerns.
In a statement to the BBC, Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, stated: “The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers.” Following a near-miss incident involving the Maersk Gibraltar and another attack on a container vessel, the company has instructed all Maersk vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journeys until further notice.
The Bab al-Mandab strait, known as the Gate of Tears, is a narrow and perilous channel between Yemen and Djibouti/Eritrea, serving as a crucial passage for ships heading to the Suez Canal. Approximately 17,000 ships and 10% of global trade traverse this route annually. Hapag-Lloyd, a German transport company, has also announced a similar suspension of operations in the area, responding to increased security risks.
The Houthi rebels, who control parts of Yemen, have been implicated in attacks on cargo ships in the strait. The US attributes drone and missile attacks on at least two cargo ships to the Houthis. The international community, including the United States, is working to address the threat posed by the rebels to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for oil and goods shipments.
Maersk’s decision to halt Red Sea shipping routes is viewed as impactful on the global supply chain, potentially affecting critical products reaching their destinations in time for the holiday season. The move follows recent incidents of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, heightening concerns about maritime security in the region. Source – BBC
