The Red Sea shipping market remains operational but unstable. Security concerns continue to influence carrier routing decisions, insurance costs, transit times and global supply chain planning.
Bab el-Mandeb remains a high-risk corridor. Several tanker operators have diverted or delayed voyages following renewed Houthi threats against vessels linked to Saudi ports. Reports also indicate possible transit fees on commercial vessels, adding further uncertainty.
Traffic fluctuates significantly from day to day. The latest tracking data recorded 39 commodity vessels transiting Bab el-Mandeb on 28 July, the highest daily level in about one week.
Market expected to remain dynamic.
Gradual return to Suez possible.
New incidents could quickly reverse progress.
No full normalization until security improves.
| Carrier | Status |
|---|---|
| Maersk | Selected Suez services resumed |
| MSC | Mixed routing |
| CMA CGM | Selective transits |
| COSCO | Limited operations |
| Hapag-Lloyd | Mostly Cape routing |
| ONE | Mixed strategy |
| Evergreen | Mainly Cape |
| Yang Ming | Selective |
| Wan Hai | Service dependent |
Although shipping activity continues through the Red Sea, geopolitical developments remain the key driver of routing decisions, freight costs and operational planning.