Red Sea Security
One year after the first attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, the security situation remains critical. Seafarers continue to be held hostage, while vessels remain at risk of further attack. Carriers have implemented heightened security measures with most opting to reroute around the region to continue to meet customers’ needs.
The industry is united, calling for urgent action to stop the unlawful attacks on these essential workers in such a vital industry.
Commercial shipping under threat.
107
Attacks since November 2023
On 19 November 2023, the Galaxy Leader vessel and its 25 crew were seized by Houthis in the Red Sea. Since then, there have been 107 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
With the relentless attacks putting seafarers’ lives at risk, many carriers have elected to re-route all or some of their planned sailings through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to instead go around Cape of Good Hope. Since November 2023 there has been a 90% decrease in Cargo Vessels transiting the Red Sea. Others take extensive security measures and risk the transit.
Carriers are responding to real risks and incurring significantly increased costs in making these difficult operational choices, and each carrier must adapt to the situation in the way that best keeps seafarers, cargo and vessels safe while at the same time serving customers’ needs.
We are grateful that nations have come together to protect seafarers and the vessels on which they serve. The fact remains that carriers are being attacked and must protect their seafarers.
Protecting seafarers,
cargo and vessels.
Many shipping companies have determined that the risks to their crews and vessels in the Red Sea are unacceptably high, literally life-threatening, and are taking the far longer route around the African continent.
Transiting around the Cape of Good Hope instead of through the Suez Canal adds millions of dollars in increased fuel costs and up to 17 days of additional transit time. The vessels still transiting are also seeing major cost increases: Skyrocketing insurance rates, added security forces on ships, contractually mandated war-risk premium pay for seafarers, and many other unavoidable expenses.
The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea highlights the need for safe and open maritime routes to support global trade.
Keeping trade flowing.
Download:
“Security in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden” - industry submission to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108/7/2)
Learn more about the competitive nature of liner shipping
80% of everything we buy comes by ship. Disruptions to the global supply chain can lead to higher costs and delays. Liner carriers have worked hard to re-wire an entire global network to manage the situation brought on by these unprecedented attacks.
However, this is not a sustainable solution long-term. Whether a vessel goes around the Cape or braves the Red Sea transit, operational costs are significantly increased. It also means that vessels are unavailable to take other cargo, and significant and costly repositioning and schedule changes may be needed.
Transits may take some more time and involve additional cost, but we will keep global trade running, and shipping costs will continue to be a very small percentage of the overall cost of goods.
Unified call for de-escalation
The shipping industry is united in calling for these attacks to stop immediately. We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Together, we call for States with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these essential workers and this vital industry.
Shipping industry calls for action following the attack on the MV Tutor and cargo ship Verbena
Jun 19, 2024
The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.
Latest news
Shipping industry call for help following the seizure of the MSC Aries and its crew members
April19, 2024
Your Excellency Secretary-General Guterres,
The maritime industry, represented by the organisations behind this letter, are grateful for the recognition that the UN Security Council and you personally have placed on the shipping industry and the importance of the free movement as set out in international law. We also thank and applaud IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez for all the hard work raising the profile of shipping and our seafarers.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: WSC welcomes EU support to protect seafarers
February19, 2024
WSC today expressed gratitude to EUNAVFOR on the launch of Operation ASPIDES, a defensive maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea - and adjacent international waters.
The Red Sea and the Suez Canal is a critical artery for EU trade, and Operation ASPIDES is expected to play a key role in defending seafarers, commercial and security interests in the region. WSC strongly appreciates the commitment of the EU as evidenced by today’s decision to make an important contribution to maritime security alongside other international partners and in cooperation with EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA.