Yemen Monitor/Abu Dhabi/Reuters:
The CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Logistics & Services, Abu Dhabi National’s shipping and logistics arm, has stated that shipping in the Red Sea remains risky despite the ceasefire in Gaza and the Houthi declaration of reducing attacks in Yemen.
Shipping executives remain cautious about returning to the Red Sea due to the risks posed to seafarers, cargo, and assets. Iranian-backed Houthis have carried out over 100 attacks on ships since November 2023, forcing most shipping companies to divert their vessels away from the Suez Canal and utilize the longer route around South Africa.
“As we speak today, we cannot say that it has almost completely disappeared, and the entire fleet has been allowed to enter the Red Sea. As I said, there is a human aspect to this, so we cannot risk sending our people there while there may be a fragile ceasefire now,” the CEO stated.
Meanwhile, Danish shipping company Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) announced on Friday that it will continue to reroute its voyages around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until the safe passage through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is guaranteed over the long term.
