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Shippers Wary of Red Sea Routes Despite Houthi Pledge to End Targeting

Briggs McCriddle

In a development highlighting ongoing security challenges in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors, leading shipping companies have expressed caution over resuming operations in the Red Sea despite a pledge from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants to cease targeting commercial vessels during the current Gaza cease-fire.

Maritime giants such as MSC Mediterranean Shipping, A.P. Moller-Maersk, and CMA CGM remain hesitant to reintroduce their vessels to Red Sea routes, citing safety concerns for their crews and assets. Over the past several months, Houthi forces have targeted more than 100 vessels in the region, leading to an unprecedented operational rerouting by major shippers.

Economic Toll on Global Shipping: The diversion of vessels from the Red Sea to alternate routes around the Cape of Good Hope has had profound economic ramifications. The rerouting adds significant time to voyages—sometimes as much as two weeks—and drives up fuel costs and insurance premiums. According to industry analysts, these additional expenses have cost the global shipping sector an estimated $40 billion in 2024 alone. “This is not just a maritime issue; it’s a global supply chain concern,” stated a representative from the International Chamber of Shipping. “The delays and added costs affect everything from manufacturing to retail.”

Security Concerns Remain High: The Houthis’ pledge comes as part of the second phase of a cease-fire agreement mediated by international actors. While the gesture has been welcomed diplomatically, shipping executives remain unconvinced about its reliability. Past cease-fires have not deterred militant groups from resuming attacks, and the risk of vessel seizures remains high. The consequences of these threats were illustrated last month when a commercial tanker was held for 48 hours off the Yemeni coast. Though no crew members were harmed, the incident reinforced fears among shipowners and operators.

Potential for Port Congestion: As the cease-fire progresses, some smaller operators are tentatively planning to re-enter Red Sea shipping lanes. Experts warn, however, that a sudden influx of vessels could lead to congestion at major European ports, particularly Rotterdam and Antwerp, which are already grappling with seasonal delays. “The timing couldn’t be worse,” noted an industry expert. “If congestion happens, we could see ripple effects across global trade.”

Calls for a Coordinated Response: Maritime organizations have called for a coordinated international response to address security in the Red Sea. Proposals include increased naval patrols, stronger enforcement of shipping lanes, and the establishment of a long-term security framework to prevent future disruptions. While the Red Sea remains a vital artery for global commerce—handling an estimated 12% of the world’s traded goods annually—its vulnerability underscores the fragile balance between economic imperatives and safety concerns.


As the situation unfolds, the global maritime industry will continue to weigh the risks against operational needs, navigating a landscape where security and commerce intersect in increasingly complex ways.

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