2023-12-19 04:00:09
As recent raids and attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea caused the world’s main cargo companies to announce, in recent days, the suspension of routes in the region, which gives access to the Suez Canal, in Egypt — the fastest route between Asia and Europe, which receives around 15% of global maritime traffic.
O Houthi has support from Will and governs part of the territory of Yemen, whose coast is close to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, through which ships from Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf, for example, access the Red Sea through international waters.
Under Donald Trump’s government, the US designated the Houthi as a terrorist organization, a decision that was revoked in February 2021 by the current Secretary of State of the Biden administration, Antony Blinken.
Since the beginning of the war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas, The Houthis have carried out several attacks in the region, as a way of demonstrating support for Islamic extremists. Both preach the end of the state of Israel.
The most significant act was the hijacking of vehicle transporter Galaxy Leader, on November 19, during a trip between Türkiye and India. The vessel is owned by Ray Shipping, one of whose partners is Israeli businessman Abraham Ungar.
The Galaxy Leader was taken to the port of Hodeida, Yemen, where it remains anchored. The 25 crew members — from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania — continue to be held hostage and have been allowed only “modest contact” with their families, the company that owns the ship said earlier this month.
The American government classified the case as “piracy” and said it is considering redesignating the Houthi as a terrorist organization — only Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen currently adopt this classification for the group.
Artillery attacks on merchant ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait have intensified in recent weeks, targeting at least 20 vessels.
On Monday (18), the Norwegian-flagged tanker M/V Swan Atlantic suffered “limited damage” after being hit by multiple missiles launched by the Houthis.
A ship from German shipowner Hapag-Lloyd was another target last week, causing operations in the Red Sea to be suspended by the company. The same happened with another giant, MSC.
“On December 15, MSC Palatium III was attacked while crossing the Red Sea. Fortunately, all crew members are safe with no injuries reported. The vessel suffered minor fire damage and was removed from service. Due to this incident and to protect the lives and safety of our sailors, MSC ships will not pass through the Suez Canal to the east and west until passage through the Red Sea is safe. We are rerouting some services via the Cape of Good Hope, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safe”, the Swiss-based company said in a statement.
French CMA CGM and Danish Maersk also made similar decisions.
“Following the near miss involving the Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and a further attack on a container ship today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area destined to pass through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to pause their voyage until further notice,” said the company on December 15th.
UK oil company BP announced on Monday that it will not allow its ships to transit the region.
“In light of the worsening security situation for shipping in the Red Sea, BP has decided to temporarily pause all Red Sea crossings. We will keep this precautionary pause under ongoing review, subject to circumstances as they evolve in the region,” he said.
Around 20% of global oil and gas consumption passes through Bab el-Mandeb, and around 98% of the ships that pass through it also use the Suez Canal, whether heading to Europe or Asia. This corridor receives around 30% of global freight traffic.
Chinese shipping companies COSCO, OOCL and Evergreen Marine they also decided yesterday to suspend cargo transport on the Red Sea route.
The inability to use the Suez Canal creates a huge problem for shipowners, as the secondary route adds weeks to travel time.
The oil and gas market, specifically, is one of those that benefits most from the canal, since ships leaving the Persian Gulf towards Europe can cover the 12,000 km journey in around 14 days (to the Kingdom United).
If this route needs to be taken around the Cape of Good Hope, bypassing the African continent, it becomes a 21,000 km path, which takes around 24 days to complete.
Depending on the vessel’s destination and sea conditions, additional travel time can easily exceed two weeks, causing delays, increased costs and supply chain issues.
Repercussion
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock spoke about the attack and stated that the Houthis threaten international shipping and Israel’s security.
“Houthi attacks against civilian merchant ships in the Red Sea must cease immediately,” Annalena said at a press conference in Berlin.
“These attacks not only endanger Israel’s security, but also threaten international shipping,” he added.
The United States already has military ships in the Red Sea — USS Mason, USS Carney (in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait), USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall — to guarantee the safety of other vessels, but intends to reinforce its presence in those waters.
The US Naval Forces Central Command announced on Saturday (16) that the destroyer USS Carney “successfully engaged” 14 suicide drones launched by the Houthis.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the American Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, is expected to announce a larger operation in the coming days.
The American government is trying to get China to join an international maritime protection force, which is being set up in Bahrain and should have the support of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.
Suez Canal
O Egypt is particularly concerned about the escalation of violence and threats promoted by the Houthis, as the Suez Canal represents an important source of revenue for the country — US$9.4 billion (R$46.5 billion) last year tax (closed on June 30).
The chairman of Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, said on Sunday (17) that he is “closely monitoring the consequences of current tensions.” He added that shipping traffic in the canal is currently normal, without going into further detail.
The Suez Canal has witnessed significant historical events that have led to the disruption of traffic along its vital route.
In 1956, the Suez Crisis erupted when Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the canal, provoking a military response from Israel, France and the United Kingdom. During the conflict, the crossing was closed, which created geopolitical tensions and a realignment of influences in the region.
In 1967, during the Six-Day War between Israel and Arab nations, Egypt physically blocked the ends of the Suez Canal as part of its military strategies. After the conflict, the canal remained closed, and 15 ships, known as the “Yellow Fleet”, were stranded in its Great Bitter Lake.
In March 2021, the Ever Given ship ran aground while passing through the canal, completely blocking traffic for six days. The damage caused to Egypt was estimated at around US$100 million (R$495 million).
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