“Over 80 Container Ships Continue Transit in Red Sea and Suez Canal Despite Houthi Threats and Rising Tensions”
Ship tracking data reveals that more than 80 container ships are still navigating the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, even in the face of threats from the Houthi Movement, which warned of targeting vessels bound for Israel. The Houthi leaders have expressed their intent to continue these actions until Israel allows aid into Gaza and ceases its population bombings. The UN has announced a forthcoming vote on a ceasefire, supported by the US, though uncertainty lingers on whether this will deter the Houthi group from targeting commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Numerous container ships, including those from top carriers like COSCO, ONE, Wan Hai, Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC, along with ultra-large container ships (ULCVs), are currently operating in the region, providing ample targets for the Houthis. Container News reached out to the three largest container ship operators with vessels in the Suez Canal or the Red Sea, closely monitored through ship tracking systems.
A spokesperson for CMA CGM stated that the French shipping company is collaborating closely with relevant authorities, working on appropriate security measures to safeguard crew, vessels, and cargo. While specific security details are challenging to outline, the measures undertaken aim at ensuring the safety of their ships.
Maersk, in response to inquiries, confirmed the rerouting of all its ships, following the lead of CMA CGM and others, until the Suez Canal route is deemed safe again. Referring to Maersk’s December 19 statement, which cited close monitoring of developments and intelligence retrieval, all ships initially paused and scheduled to sail through the region will now be rerouted around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope for security reasons. The spokesperson emphasized that certain Maersk vessels, operating under the trade name Maersk Line Limited, handling freight for the US Government, are distinct from Maersk Line’s overall offering.
In response to the escalating situation, the US has organized a multinational naval force named Operation Welfare Guard to protect commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el Mandeb. Greece and Denmark are the latest additions to this force, joining Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Seychelles, and others. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized the global impact of the Houthi attacks, describing them as a threat to the economic well-being and prosperity of nations worldwide. Greece’s involvement includes sending a frigate to participate in the multinational ‘Welfare Guard’ operation, aiming to protect merchant ships, the lives of seafarers, and the global economy.
