Houthi Missile Hits US-Owned Ship in Gulf of Aden
DOHA/LONDON – In a concerning development, Houthi militants targeted a US-owned ship carrying steel products in the Gulf of Aden on Monday. The attack occurred south of the port of Aden, following recent strikes by the US and British forces on Houthi sites in Yemen. While the missile strike caused a fire in one of the ship’s holds, there were no reported injuries among the crew members.
The incident has raised alarm among major powers and impacted companies, as the ongoing attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthis on ships in the region have escalated tensions. This development comes amidst Israel’s more than three-month war with Hamas militants in Gaza.
Previously, the Houthis had indicated that they would only target Israeli ships or those en route to Israel. However, their recent attack on the dry bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle, which was carrying steel products, suggests a shift in their strategy. The ship’s operator, Eagle Bulk Shipping, confirmed that the vessel is continuing on its journey.
The series of attacks on shipping by the Houthis since November has led to container vessels pausing or changing course, opting for a longer route via the Cape of Good Hope. Ship-tracking data reveals that at least 15 tankers altered course in response to the escalating conflict.
Moreover, QatarEnergy, the world’s second-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has joined those avoiding the Red Sea due to the attacks. Several Qatari LNG tankers, including Al Ghariya, Al Huwaila, Al Nuaman, and Al Rekayyat, have rerouted or stopped in Oman and the Red Sea, pausing until the security situation improves.
The implications of these attacks on shipping are significant, as approximately 12% of world shipping traffic transits the Suez Canal via the Red Sea. Consequently, the longer route around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope adds approximately nine days to the journey from Qatar to northwest Europe.
In response to the Houthi missile attack on a US destroyer, the United States confirmed that its fighter aircraft successfully intercepted the cruise missile. The incident, which resulted in no injuries or damage, further emphasizes the need for heightened security measures in the region. The United Kingdom, a key US ally, expressed its commitment to protecting free navigation in the Red Sea but emphasized its reluctance to engage directly in the conflict.
China has also called for an end to attacks on civilian vessels in the Red Sea, as it poses a risk to its commercial interests. The ongoing maritime conflict has already affected supply lines, with Suzuki halting production at its Hungarian plant due to delayed engine deliveries.
As a result of these developments, European benchmark gas prices and Asia spot LNG prices have been impacted, experiencing declines. However, the limited impact on crude oil output in the Middle East has prompted profit-taking in the market.
The situation in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea remains precarious, with major powers and shipping companies closely monitoring the evolving security landscape. The Houthi attacks on vessels have not only disrupted supply chains but also raised concerns about regional stability. As the conflict unfolds, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to ensure the safety of civilian vessels and maintain global trade routes.
