Red Sea Security
Commercial shipping has been at risk of attack in the Red Sea for over two years. As 2026 begins there are signs of a cautious return, but complex challenges ahead.
Ocean carriers will continue to make informed operational decisions to safeguard seafarers, cargo, and vessels while maintaining the movement of essential goods.
Commercial shipping under threat.
120
Attacks on ships since November 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. In 2023, the Suez Canal recorded 26,434 vessel transits, including 5,847 container ships, averaging about 16 container vessels per day, highlighting its critical role in East–West trade flows.
Since late 2023, security threats have disrupted shipping through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. 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.
Protecting seafarers,
cargo and vessels.
Many shipping companies have determined that the risks to their crews and vessels in the Red Sea are unacceptably high, literally life-threatening, and are taking the longer route around the African continent.
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.
Such major routing changes also require careful planning to minimise disruption to the overall network. A sudden, large-scale shift could trigger port congestion and capacity management challenges, while a phased approach may help mitigate these risks. Each shipping line will continue to make its own evaluation based on operational specifics and individual risk profiles.
The security situation in the Red Sea highlights the need for safe and open maritime routes to support global trade.
Keeping trade flowing.
Download:
“Security in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden” - industry submission to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108/7/2)
Learn more about the competitive nature of liner shipping
80% of everything we buy comes by ship. Disruptions to the global supply chain can lead to higher costs and delays. Liner carriers have worked hard to re-wire an entire global network to manage the situation brought on by these unprecedented attacks.
The industry’s primary focus remains the safety and wellbeing of seafarers, while striving to maintain supply chain continuity and provide shippers with the most efficient services possible under challenging circumstances. Decisions on routing and security measures are complex and dynamic, reflecting the need to balance risk management with global trade imperatives.
Release of Galaxy Leader crew
Jan 22, 2025
“Finally. What immense relief for the Galaxy Leader crew and their families to hear the news of their release after 14 months in captivity," Joe Kramek, President and CEO of World Shipping Council said.
The detention of innocent seafarers is completely unacceptable and illegal.
The situation in the Red Sea has highlighted the critical need for safe and open maritime routes to protect seafarers and keep global trade moving.
Shipping industry calls for action following the attack on the MV Tutor and cargo ship Verbena
Jun 19, 2024
The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.
Latest news
Shipping industry call for help following the seizure of the MSC Aries and its crew members
April19, 2024
Your Excellency Secretary-General Guterres,
The maritime industry, represented by the organisations behind this letter, are grateful for the recognition that the UN Security Council and you personally have placed on the shipping industry and the importance of the free movement as set out in international law. We also thank and applaud IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez for all the hard work raising the profile of shipping and our seafarers.