ATTACKS ON SHIPS IN THE RED SEA LINKED TO ISRAEL/GAZA CONFLICT
Several attacks on containerships led by Houthi rebels have been reported in the Red Sea over the last days. The attacks are the latest in a series against vessels since the rebels in Yemen issued a threat against ships with ties to Israel last month, calling them “legitimate targets”, in light of the current conflict between Israel and Gaza.
In view of these attacks, several carriers have announced that a dozen ships chartered or operated by Israeli shipping companies have already diverted their route via the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the passage along the coast of Yemen, resulting in delays and potential blank sailings. This also includes a number of large ships that are on their way to Northern Europe, such as the 'Maersk Camden' and 'Maersk Campton' of 15,413 teu each or the 'MSC Virgo' of 15,000 teu.
In addition, and consequently to these attacks, Hapag-Lloyd announced a “war risk surcharge”, for shipments both from and to Israel, effective from 1st January 2024. On the route between Northern Europe or Mediterranean countries and Israel, the surcharge will be USD 40 per twenty-foot container, and freight to and from anywhere else in the world will be double that, at USD 80 per container.
Source: ShippingWatch, Flows