Several international shipping companies have responded to the increased threat of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen targeting vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks, viewed as a show of support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel, have prompted companies to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their vessels and crew.

C H Robinson:

The global logistics group rerouted over 25 vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, anticipating continued disruptions and potential security risks into the first quarter of 2024.

CMA CGM:

The French shipping group announced a gradual increase in vessels transiting the Suez Canal after evaluating the security landscape and emphasising its commitment to the safety of seafarers.

Euronav:

The Belgian oil tanker firm decided to avoid the red sea area until further notice, prioritising the safety and security of its operations.

Evergreen:

The Taiwanese container shipping line rerouted vessels to safe waters and temporarily stopped accepting Israeli cargo, prioritising the safety of its regional services.

Frontline:

The Norway-based oil tanker group directed its vessels to avoid passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Gram car carriers:

The Norwegian shipping company specialising in car truck carriers reported that its vessels were restricted from passing through the Red Sea.

Hapag-Llyod:

The German container shipping line continued to divert vessels around the Suez Canal for security reasons, with a reassessment planned for January 2.

HMM:

The South Korean container shipper rerouted ships from Europe via the Cape of Good Hope for an indefinite period, starting December 15.

Hoegh Autoliners:

The Norwegian shipping company ceased Red Sea transit after the Norwegian Maritime Authority raised the alert for the southern part of the sea to the highest level.

Klaveness combination carriers:

The Norway-based fleet operator indicated its vessels were unlikely to sail in the Red Sea unless the situation improved.

Maersk:

The Danish shipping group paused all sailing through the Red Sea for 48 hours after an attack by Houthi militants on the container vessel Maersk Hangzhou.

MSC:

Mediterranean Shipping Company rerouted ships away from the Suez Canal following ballistic missile attacks on its vessel.

Ocean network express (ONE):

The joint venture rerouted vessels away from the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, opting for routes around the Cape of Good Hope or temporary halts in safe areas.

OOCL:

The Hong Kong-headquartered container group guided vessels to divert routes or suspend sailing to the Red Sea, with cargo acceptance to and from Israel halted.

O S K Lines, Nippon Yusen:

Japan's largest shipping companies directed vessels with links to Israel to avoid the Red Sea area, closely monitoring the situation.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen:

The Norwegian shipping group suspended Red Sea transits until further notice, rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope with added voyage durations.

Yang Ming Marine Transport:

The Taiwanese container shipping company diverted ships sailing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks.

(With Reuters inputs)

The attacks were viewed as a show of support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel.

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