With the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen have stated they will “stop sanctions” on non-Israeli ships in the Bab-el-Mandeb Straight.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 ships with missiles and drones resulting in the seizure of one vessel and the sinking of two others.
Given the continued uncertainty around the ceasefire, CMA-CGM and Maersk have stated, for the time being, they will continue the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
Other carriers are still reviewing the situation and their routing choices, but Kawa Shipping is eager to get back to sailing through the Suez on its Asia-Europe service.