Beirut: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, affecting strategic seaways, shipment firms are striving to maintain their services under uncertain conditions.
According to Anadolu Agency, besides Iran's blockade on the Strait of Hormuz related to the US attacks, Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis have started imposing another blockade in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as of last week. This has intensified concerns over energy costs, supply disruptions, and rising global maritime shipping costs, extending the anxiety from the Strait of Hormuz to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Ann-Christine Graber, spokesperson for global shipment firm DHL, stated, "The situation in the Middle East remains dynamic, and we continue to monitor developments closely, working with all relevant authorities and adjusting our network as required." While some carriers have cautiously resumed selected transits through the Red Sea following security reviews, these decisions remain highly selective and can be reversed as conditions evolve, she told Anadolu.
She further explained, "The Strait of Hormuz remains the more acute operational concern, with commercial traffic constrained and carriers continuously reassessing routing, service coverage, and cargo acceptance for affected Gulf markets." Supply chains necessitate flexibility and contingency planning, she added.
The spokesperson emphasized, "Our focus remains on maintaining service continuity through flexible routing, alternative gateways, and contingency planning to help customers navigate a rapidly changing environment, while prioritizing the safety of our people and our customers' shipments."
Last week, Rico Luman, senior transport and logistics economist at ING Group, informed Anadolu that the Houthis' announcement immediately increased the risks associated with crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait despite the absence of new attacks. Freight rates and insurance premiums have already surged, leading to higher costs.
"This puts further pressure on oil markets, as the port of Yanbu is being used much more intensively as an alternative export hub for Saudi Arabia," he said. To avoid the threat, sailing north around Africa through the Mediterranean would require significantly more time. For container shipping, this could be a reason to postpone resumption plans, as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have just resumed some services through the Red Sea, which could lead to prolonged detours around Africa.