“Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd halt Red Sea voyages due to escalating attacks threatening shipping.”
Danish shipping company Maersk has announced a halt to all voyages through the Red Sea due to recent attacks on ships originating from a region in Yemen controlled by the Iran-backed rebel movement, the Houthis. The Houthis have expressed support for Hamas and have targeted vessels heading towards Israel. The Red Sea serves as a crucial passage for global oil and fuel shipments. Following Maersk’s decision, the German transport company Hapag-Lloyd also confirmed a suspension of operations in the area after one of its ships was attacked. Both companies cited concerns about the safety of seafarers amidst alarming attacks on commercial vessels in the region.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, is a hazardous 20-mile-wide channel situated between Yemen and the African coast. It serves as a route for ships traveling to the Suez Canal from the south, a vital shipping lane. Approximately 17,000 ships and 10% of global trade pass through this strait annually. Maersk’s pause in Red Sea shipping at this critical time is anticipated to disrupt the supply chain, potentially causing delays for essential products ahead of the holiday season.
At least two other cargo ships in the strait were attacked, with the US attributing these incidents to the Houthis, who have controlled parts of Yemen since 2014, leading to an ongoing civil war. The United States, along with international partners, is addressing these threats to the Red Sea’s freedom of navigation, vital for oil and goods shipments. Recent events, including drone attacks on commercial vessels and the seizure of ships in the Red Sea, highlight the escalating tensions and risks in the region.
