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Shipping industry in the dark over US-led Red Sea navy force

A cargo ship is seen crossing through the New Suez Canal, Ismailia, Egypt, July 25, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo


Shipping companies are reportedly in the dark about the details of the new international navy coalition initiated by the United States to counter attacks in the Red Sea. The lack of information has led many vessels to continue avoiding the area or canceling contracts. The initiative, launched in response to increased attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, aims to protect commercial vessels in the region. The Houthi leader has warned of striking U.S. warships if targeted by Washington.

Shipping and maritime security officials express uncertainty about the coalition’s specifics, such as the number of warships involved, their rules of engagement, and the protection scheme in place. Recent Houthi attacks have disrupted a crucial trade route linking Europe, North America, and Asia via the Suez Canal, prompting shipping companies to divert around Africa. Concerns persist about the effectiveness of the coalition’s efforts, leading some companies to consider alternative routes.

The Red Sea security operation involves nations such as Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, Spain, and the United States. Joint patrols will be conducted in the southern Red Sea and the adjacent Gulf of Aden. Container shipping companies, especially, continue to pause voyages through the Red Sea, impacting delivery timelines and raising costs. The International Chamber of Shipping anticipates the new task force enabling a coordinated effort to provide a significant suppressive response to the threat.

Despite the existing Combined Maritime Force based in Bahrain, the new coalition, initially led by the United States and Britain, aims to garner participation from other members over time. The rules of engagement will focus on defending shipping against surface and air threats, with a separate operation required for addressing threats ashore.

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