Global shipping giant Maersk extended its suspension of cargo movement through the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea on Tuesday, declaring it would remain in effect “until further notice.” This decision came following an attack on one of its container ships by Yemeni Houthi rebels on Sunday.
“Due to the ongoing security situation, we have made the difficult decision to hold all vessel transits through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until we can reassess the risks,” Maersk stated in a press release. “For certain cargo routes, where feasible, we will reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to ensure delivery of essential goods.”
The Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged vessel traversing the strait en route from Singapore to Egypt, encountered the incident. Reports indicate a missile strike followed by an attempted boarding by four Houthi-operated ships. Fortunately, the ship sustained no significant damage and was able to complete its journey north. However, the US military intervened, engaging and sinking three of the attacking vessels.
This marks the second suspension of Maersk operations through the Bab al-Mandab Strait within a month. In mid-December, similar attacks by Houthi rebels prompted a temporary halt, with resumption announced on December 24th. However, the December 31st attack necessitated another immediate suspension.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, crucial for 12% of global trade according to the International Chamber of Shipping, serves as a vital artery connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean and, consequently, Europe to Asia. Over 20,000 ships navigate the Suez Canal annually, a key gateway within this zone.
The Houthi rebels have justified their actions as acts of solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza. However, the escalating attacks on commercial vessels pose a significant threat to global trade and supply chains.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the extended suspension by Maersk and the potential for similar actions by other shipping companies raise concerns about disruptions to vital cargo movement and economic repercussions for countries on both sides of the globe.
