The Strategist

FT: There is a threat to restoration of shipping in the Red Sea



02/10/2025 - 06:59



US President Donald Trump's plan to manage the Gaza Strip has diminished expectations of reestablishing trade in the Red Sea, where commercial vessels have faced assaults from the Houthis during Israel's conflict with Hamas, writes The Financial Times (FT) citing shipping companies.



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The publication notes that following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Houthis announced in January that they would cease assaults on most vessels traversing the Red Sea; however, Trump's statements rekindled concerns that commercial ships could once more be at risk.

Jan Rindbo, leader of the Danish shipping firm Norden, stated that Trump's remarks intensified “the image of unrest and tension in the Middle East, which may extend the Red Sea issue.” He mentioned a heightened “risk that the Houthis will not remain passive”.

This week, Danish shipping company AP Moller-Maersk provided a projection indicating that trade through the Red Sea might resume by mid-2025 at best, and at worst, it would stay restricted until year’s end. “As long as uncertainties exist regarding the future in a few weeks, we will hold off,” stated AP Moller-Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc.

source: ft.com