Upholding Freedom of Navigation
Freedom of navigation is a fundamental right for all merchant ships, and it must be upheld.
Attacks on shipping put lives, trade, and ships at risk — as seen in recent incidents in areas like the Red Sea.
Safe passage must be protected, ensuring that seafarers can do their jobs without fear and global trade can keep moving.
“We cannot allow attacks on commercial ships to become normalized or weaponized as political tools. The safety of those at sea, and the freedoms and rights of navigation, must be protected.”
— Joe Kramek, WSC President & CEO
Hostility in the Red Sea
Commercial shipping has been at risk of attack in the Red Sea since 2023. The Red Sea is a vital corridor for global trade, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. This route handles 12–15% of international maritime trade and nearly 30% of global container traffic.
Attacks involving missiles, drones, armed assailants, and explosive-laden boats have placed seafarer safety at the forefront of industry concerns. Despite international naval efforts, the security environment remains volatile, and many carriers have diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 17 days to transit times and increasing costs and operational complexity.
With the relentless attacks putting seafarers’ lives at risk, many carriers choose 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. As 2026 begins, there are signs of a cautious return to regular Red Sea transits. Some carriers have tested routings via the Suez Canal, but a broad return will require sustained stability and acceptable safety conditions over time.
Ocean carriers will continue to make informed operational decisions to safeguard seafarers, cargo, and vessels while maintaining the movement of essential goods.