Red Sea tensions rise as Houthis strengthen position near key shipping route

Security concerns around one of the world’s most important shipping corridors have increased following further developments in Yemen and the southern Red Sea.

After seizing the Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, Houthi forces have strengthened their position around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow gateway connecting the Red Sea and Suez Canal with the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Further developments involving strategically located islands close to the Strait have added to concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the region.

While Mokha itself is a relatively small harbour rather than a major container terminal, its location is significant. The Bab el-Mandeb remains a critical part of the Asia-Europe trade route, and increased Houthi activity close to the shipping lane adds another layer of uncertainty for carriers considering a return to the Red Sea.

Since attacks on commercial shipping began in late 2023, many container lines have diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. This adds considerable distance and transit time to Asia-Europe services, as well as affecting vessel capacity, schedules and operating costs.

Some carriers have cautiously returned selected services to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but the latest developments demonstrate how quickly the security situation can change.

Pressure continues at the Strait of Hormuz

The situation is further complicated by continuing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, where merchant shipping remains significantly below normal levels following recent attacks and vessel incidents.

This creates uncertainty at both ends of the region, with the Bab el-Mandeb affecting access to the Red Sea and Suez Canal while Hormuz remains critical for shipping moving to and from the Gulf.

Suez traffic continues to recover

Despite the regional security picture, Suez Canal traffic has shown signs of recovery.

Around 1,232 vessels reportedly transited the Canal during August, approximately 28% higher than the same period last year. Part of that increase has been attributed to changes in tanker routing resulting from disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

For shippers, the picture remains mixed. Suez traffic is recovering, but security developments around both Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz mean routing decisions can change quickly.

Westbound is closely monitoring developments across the region and will continue to advise customers of any potential impact on routing, capacity and transit times.