Major delays following US strikes in Yemen

Shipping through the Red Sea and Suez Canal faces further delays after US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and Israel’s renewed conflict in Gaza. Analysts now expect it to take at least six more months before major container lines resume normal operations.

Most carriers continue rerouting around Africa, as the risk of Houthi missile attacks remains too high. Some smaller Asian carriers, mainly Chinese, still operate in the region, but overall traffic through the Suez Canal remains limited.

Extended travel times and distances may cause tighter vessel supply
If tensions escalate further – especially if Iran becomes more involved – disruptions could last well into late 2025. These Red Sea disruptions are benefiting the shipping market by increasing voyage distances, as vessels are now rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times and tightening vessel supply across all sectors.