Hits Saudi Oil tankers
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has suspended its Red Sea shipping operations until further notice following a recent Houthi militant attack targeting two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The attack took place near the Red Sea port of Yanbu and drew an angry response from the United Arab Emirates, which called for an end to “purposeful attacks” against civilian vessels.
In response to the attack and to ensure the safety of its crew and vessels, Maersk has suspended all sailing through the Red Sea and will not resume operations until the risk has been further assessed. U.S. officials also urged commercial vessels to take extra precautions while traveling through the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Maersk’s move to suspend shipments in the Red Sea will likely have a considerable impact on maritime trade in the region. The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. To make matters worse, the closure may also disrupt shipments of food and humanitarian aid, as much of the cargo passing through the Red Sea carries critical supplies.
Given the volatile situation in the region, it is unclear how long Maersk’s red sea suspension will last. In the meantime, other shipping companies operating in the region will have to adjust their transshipment schedules accordingly or risk travelling through an increasingly dangerous maritime corridor.
