Maersk suspend vessel movements via the Red Sea

International media are this morning reporting that Maersk has suspended container ship traffic via the Red Sea.

The following statement has been reported by Reuters quoting a Maersk statement:

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice,"

Also refer:
Maersk to pause all container ship traffic through the Red Sea
Shipping firms pause Red Sea journeys over attacks

With the likelihood that other international shipping lines (both carrying containers and bulk fuels) will follow, it paints a horrible picture for global trade and economies. In terms of immediate impacts, we only need to cast our minds back to March 2021 when the Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for 6 days to recall the impact on trade and vessel scheduling.

I hope I have not ruined your weekend. 

Paul Zalai - Director FTA | Secretariat APSA | Director GSF