DUBAI: Egypt’s Suez canal authority mentioned on Sunday (Dec 17) it was carefully monitoring the affect of tensions within the Red Sea after latest assaults by Yemen’s Houthis on vessels within the southern a part of the basin.
Two main freight companies together with MSC, the world’s greatest container transport line, mentioned on Saturday they might keep away from the Suez Canal as Houthi militants stepped up their assaults.
The authority is “carefully following the implications of present tensions,” the physique’s chairman, Osama Rabie, mentioned in a press release. Maritime visitors within the canal was at present regular, he added, with out going into additional element.
Iran-aligned Houthis have launched assaults in opposition to vessels within the area in protest in opposition to Israel’s bombardment and invasion of Gaza that has killed virtually 19,000 Palestinians, based on Gaza well being officers.
Since Nov 19, 55 ships have rerouted by way of the Cape of Good Hope, whereas 2,128 have crossed the canal in the identical interval, the Suez canal authority mentioned.
Rabie mentioned that on Sunday, 77 ships crossed the canal, together with some ships belonging to transport traces that had introduced non permanent diversions. These have been vessels that have been already within the Pink Sea area earlier than the bulletins have been made.