Six U.S-U.K Ships Successfully Transit Red Sea After Houthis Vow To Halt Attacks

Several US and UK-linked vessels have successfully transited the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed to hold off their attacks on ships associated with both nations.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, 2025.

According to the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), six US and UK-affiliated ships have passed through the region since the ceasefire began, without any issues. The centre did not disclose the names or types of the vessels.

The Houthi-affiliated Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center has stated that military operations against most merchant vessels have been paused.

However, the Iran-backed rebel group has declared that it will continue targeting Israeli-owned or Israeli-flagged vessels. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has said that his forces remain ready to intervene if Israel resumes military actions in Gaza.

Since December 2, 2024, no commercial vessel has been attacked by the Houthis, but the JMIC has warned that the threat in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remains high. The centre says that as long as the ceasefire continues and ships remain untargeted, stability in the region is expected to improve.

The ceasefire is set to last 42 days, with Phase 2 negotiations expected to begin in week five. This was announced just before President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

25 crew members of the Israeli-linked car carrier Galaxy Leader were released after the ceasefire. However, the vessel remains under Houthi control.

The US Navy has maintained operations in the Red Sea and the Middle East since January 2024. Due to security concerns, industry leaders like Maersk, MSC, and Mitsui OSK Lines are still hesitant to return to the route.

The Houthis have attacked over 100 vessels, sunk two, and killed four seafarers in the Red Sea since November 2023. Due to this reason, many vessels have chosen to reroute around Africa, increasing shipping costs and travel times.

Shipping experts say that even with the ceasefire, it may take months for maritime traffic to return to normal through the Suez Canal route.

They have warned that any violation of the ceasefire by Israel or military action by the US or UK against the Houthis could escalate the tensions in the region.

Shipping companies are advised to conduct risk assessments and implement security measures before attempting to transit through the Red Sea.

References: Bloomberg, The Hill

Source: Maritime Shipping News