The US announced that on February 12, 2024, Houthi rebels targeted a Greek ship in the Red Sea, carrying corn from Brazil to Iran.
Initially, the Houthis claimed they hit an American vessel.
The Houthis have been attacking ships bound for Israel from the US and UK since November to back Palestinians and Hamas against Israel.
Hailing from Yemen’s north, the Houthis, Shiite Muslims, align with Iran, joining the “Axis of Resistance” including Hamas.
They promise to keep attacking until Gaza sees a ceasefire and aid entry.
The US blames Iran’s actions for risking Iranian food security.
The targeted ship, owned by Star Bulk Carriers of Greece with US ties, was exempt from sanctions, carrying food. It sustained minor damage, but the crew was safe.
Due to these attacks, shipping in the Red Sea has paused, making routes longer and costlier around Africa.
Background
Security concerns in the Red Sea have heightened, as noted by leaders from top shipping companies.
Despite actions by Western nations to deter attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the situation has not improved.
Companies like A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and D/S Norden A/S have observed an increase in threats, complicating navigation in this essential maritime corridor.
The escalation began in mid-November with Houthi attacks, leading many shipping fleets to avoid the area.
The tension increased following airstrikes by the US and the UK, causing more companies to seek alternative routes.
Shipping companies advocate for a period of calm and the cessation of hostilities before considering a return to the Red Sea.
Maersk has decided to reroute its ships around Africa for the foreseeable future, awaiting assurances of safe passage.
Similarly, MOL anticipates its diversions to continue for two to three months, and Norden sees no quick end to the disruptions.
This crisis coincides with reduced traffic through the Panama Canal due to drought affecting water levels, exacerbating the challenges for global shipping routes.
Norden’s Jan Rindbo remarked on the unprecedented nature of the current scenario, unlike anything he has witnessed in his long career in the shipping industry.
This underscores the necessity for global cooperation to secure vital maritime routes crucial for uninterrupted global trade.