Red Sea Conflict

Earlier last week, the Houthis conducted their first ship strike in 18 days, resulting in three explosions reported near a bulk carrier navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, near the Red Sea.

Additionally, a new, unreleased study by a panel of Yemen experts for the United Nations Security Council has documented that Houthis carried out over 130 attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea between November 2023 and July 2024.

In response to the ongoing conflict in the area, shipping services from Europe and the top of Africa are navigating around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of passing through the Suez Canal, adding time and cost to shipments destined for Australia and other Oceania countries.

On a more positive note, there are signs of space for RoRo and breakbulk cargoes from Australia to the Middle Eastern gateway of Jebel Ali. Freightplus is taking bookings now.

To stay up-to-date with the latest updates and other industry news head to the Freightplus Newsroom or contact the Freightplus team.