6th August 2025
Back in May, the Houthis announced they would suspend its 18 month assault against commercial shipping transiting the Red Sea, instead look to impose a blockade to and from Haifa port in Israel.
But now, carriers are being advised to take extra caution again, as the Houthis have warned they would target all ships that belong to any company that calls at an Israel port, and warning all companies to cease dealings with those ports. This means regardless of whether the target vessel is heading to or from an Israel port, they will attack it. Although most carriers looking to use the Red Sea do not have any direct services to or from Israel, it maybe unlikely that the Houthis will go through service schedules. It then asks the question, are they just looking to attack any ships that transit the Red Sea?
Hapag Lloyd indicated back in May that as tensions in the Middle East had eased, that it would resume normal operations at the port of Haifa. And it will be bad news for CMA CGM who has proved very willing to risk transiting the Red Sea with the assistance of the French navy. Both companies do not serve any Israel port direct themselves but they will now need to reassess the risks involved. As carriers tend to slot charter with other carriers who may serve these ports, they may decide the risk is too high.
