Industry News

HOUTHI REBELS TO CEASE ATTACKS ON NON-ISRAELI SHIPPING IN RED SEA

Following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels have announced they will limit their attacks in the Red Sea to vessels linked to Israel. The Houthi-controlled Humanitarian Operations Coordination Centre (HOCC) communicated to the shipping industry that they would cease "sanctions" against ships owned by or flagged under the United States or the United Kingdom, but warned that any aggression from these countries would result in the reinstatement of sanctions – Care of Reuters

This decision comes after a period of heightened tensions, during which the Houthis conducted over 100 attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023, resulting in two ships being sunk, one seized, and four seafarers killed. These attacks significantly disrupted global shipping routes, leading many companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa, thereby increasing shipping costs and transit times – Care of Financial Times

Despite the Houthis' announcement, maritime security officials urge caution, noting that the situation remains fluid and the potential fragility of the Israel-Hamas truce could impact the safety of Red Sea shipping lanes. Shipowners, such as AP Møller-Maersk, have indicated that it could take up to three months to normalize shipping trajectories through the Red Sea. – Care of Financial Times

https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-red-sea-israel-5f3ec9fa14704a4ffba3e021c4b15446

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/maritime-sources-expect-houthis-halt-red-sea-attacks-after-gaza-deal-2025-01-16/

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further information as it comes to hand.