Houthi attacks raise concerns over Bab al-Mandeb Strait, risking Red Sea transits and global shipping, warns Seatrade Maritime News.
Weekend attacks on Israel by Houthi rebels and the possible closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could halt Red Sea transits entirely, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
The Bab al-Mandeb, an 18-mile-wide strait linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is vital for bulk, tanker, gas, chemical, and container trades between Asia and Europe via Suez. Its closure would severely disrupt global shipping flows.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu has become a crucial export terminal for crude oil and products, served by the East-West pipeline operating at full capacity of seven million barrels per day. However, renewed Houthi threats could render this route too risky, adding strain to energy supply chains and driving prices higher.
Major container lines including CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and Maersk have already rerouted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. The diversion adds at least 3,500 nautical miles, extending voyages by 8-12 days for containerships and 15-20 days for bulk carriers, while consuming hundreds of tonnes of extra bunker fuel.
