UN Working to Resolve Crisis in Red Sea to Ensure Maritime Traffic
The United Nations confirmed on Sunday that it is continuing to work towards a solution to the crisis in the Red Sea, aiming to ensure the safe passage of maritime shipments.
The head of the UN’s International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, stated in an interview that the organization is working “tirelessly” to find a solution to the crisis, which has affected global trade.
Since November 19, 2023, Iranian-backed Houthis have carried out numerous attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, allegedly targeting vessels linked to Israel or bound for its ports. This action is seen as supporting the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
These attacks have significantly impacted shipping traffic in the strategically important region, which handles 12% of global trade. This has led many shipping companies to reroute their vessels to the Cape of Good Hope, adding an estimated week to the journey between Asia and Europe.
Dominguez emphasized that this detour is not optimal for companies, as it increases transportation costs and ultimately raises the prices of transported goods.
The London-based maritime organization is working to provide practical solutions to ensure the continued operation of ships and expressed optimism about resolving the dispute.
The IMF estimates that traffic in the Red Sea has declined by at least 30% this year due to the attacks.
US and British forces have conducted strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since January 12, aiming to reduce the group’s ability to threaten shipping.
Following these strikes, the Houthis have targeted American and British ships in the region, considering the interests of both countries to be legitimate targets.