Maersk is warning customers to prepare for complications due to ongoing security issues in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and the potential for “major global network disruption,” as it extended its decision to divert ships for the “foreseeable future.” In advice issued to customers on January 5, the carrier said it understood the potential impact of its decision and hoped that by announcing the suspension of all flights in the region it could achieve “consistency and predictability despite the associated delays.”
The world's second-largest container carrier has warned since mid-December when it began diverting some flights that 15 of its service routes were directly affected by the rerouting of ships. After trying to allow some ships to continue their scheduled trips, Maersk once again halted all transit operations in the region after one of its ships was attacked on two consecutive days. While the crew was safe and the ship was able to continue its voyage, Maersk said it had to prioritize the safety of its ships, sailors and customers' cargo.
“The situation is constantly evolving and remains highly volatile, and all available intelligence confirms that the security risks remain at a significantly elevated level,” its advisory to clients said. “We have therefore decided that all Maersk vessels scheduled to transit the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden will be diverted south around the Cape of Good Hope for the foreseeable future.”
Maersk says the decision was made after careful consideration, and while it remains hopeful of a “sustainable solution in the near future,” it believes this is the best course of action for both the company and customers. They warn that previously announced transit disruption surcharges, peak season surcharges, and emergency surcharges for all cargo on board ships affected by the disruption remain in effect. However, they believe that by announcing the decision, customers can be better prepared.
Maersk is not the only one monitoring the situation while reporting that the situation remains too unstable for ships to pass through the area. Hapag-Lloyd also began conversion operations on December 21, while its crisis committee continues to review the situation. Hapag confirmed today that its team will review the situation again on Monday, January 9, but currently nothing has changed in its position since it began redirecting ships last month.
While reports stated that more than 200 containers were rerouted, some transport companies are continuing some services in the area. Data from the Panama Canal show that total traffic fell by a quarter in the second half of December, with the largest decline coming from all cargo ship segments. The number of tanker transits was mostly stable.
One carrier, CMA CGM, is following a different strategy. They confirmed to Reuters today that they continue to send ships through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal and are continuing a plan to increase the number of ships that gradually return to the routes through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. This comes despite CMA CGM confirming that one of its ships was hit by nearby explosions. The Houthis said they were targeted CMA CGM mark (9,200 TEU) at the beginning of the week due to the sailing of other company ships to Israel.
