Another mass ship attacked in the Red Sea

On Monday, in the Red Sea waters, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, there was a double missile attack on a Greek bulk ship. The ship, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, experienced serious but not catastrophic damage. This incident sheds new light on the increasing tensions in the region, highlighting the risk to international shipping.

In the morning, in the international waters of the Red Sea, there was a disturbing event that could have long lasting effects on global shipping and maritime safety. The Greek bulker, operating under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was attacked twice by rockets near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. British maritime security agency Ambrey confirmed that despite the damage to the starboard port, the ship continues to sail and its crew is safe.

The attack occurred when the unit was between Djibouti and the Yemeni port of Mokka, highlighting the increasing threat in this key shipping corridor. The analysis suggests that the cause of the attack may have been the listing of the ship's owner on the US NASDAQ stock exchange, suggesting the complexity of motives behind this action.

Since November last year, in the context of the escalation of tensions in the Middle East region, the Red Sea has become an area of increased military activity. Huti rebels, supported by Iran and operating in Yemen, carry out attacks on merchant ships in strategically important Red Sea waters. These actions form part of a wider context of regional conflict, where Huti expresses support for Hamas, recognised by many countries as a terrorist organisation, in its actions against Israel. The increase in maritime aggression underlines the strategic importance of the Red Sea as a key shipping route, but also exacerbates maritime security risks in the region, affecting global supply chains and international trade.

In response to these events, the international maritime community and security agencies increase their vigilance to ensure the protection of ships passing through these waters. This is a reminder of the continuing need to monitor security and risks in global trade routes that are essential to the global economy.

The attack on the Greek bulk ship is a serious reminder of the unpredictability of the maritime safety situation and the need for permanent dialogue and international cooperation to ensure safety in the seas and oceans of our globe.

As a result of attacks in these waters, insurance prices increase from war risk for ships crossing the Red Sea and some companies consider changing routes to avoid potentially dangerous waters. Japanese operator NYK Line and other large shipping companies, such as Maersk, have taken steps to ensure the safety of their ships, including a temporary change of routes. It is important that around 12% of the world's maritime traffic uses the Suez Canal across the Red Sea, which underlines the strategic importance of this region for global trade.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz