International freight is facing growing uncertainty as the Middle East conflict creates pressure around both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The most acute disruption remains in the Gulf. Vessel traffic through Hormuz has fallen sharply following a number of attacks and reported merchant-vessel incidents. Some cargo continues to pass through the Strait, but movements remain well below normal levels.
Recent incidents have included attacks on tankers carrying Saudi crude, merchant vessels reportedly disabled by fire or damaged near Iraq, Oman and Dubai, and further Iranian claims of attacks on commercial shipping that have not all been independently verified.
Attention is also turning to the Bab el-Mandeb, the southern entrance to the Red Sea and a vital link for trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have already captured Yemen’s port city of Mokha. More recently, Yemeni government sources have reported that Houthi forces have reached Dhubab, a town opposite Perim Island and closer to the main shipping channel. Full control of Dhubab has not been confirmed, but the advance would place the group in an increasingly significant position close to vessels using the Red Sea-Suez route.
This comes alongside missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia and energy facilities, with reported fires and temporary operational disruption. The concern is that a further escalation near Bab el-Mandeb could force more carriers to avoid the Red Sea and divert around the Cape of Good Hope.
Bab el-Mandeb remains open, and commodity-vessel traffic has so far remained close to recent averages. However, the developing situation could result in longer transit times, additional fuel costs and tighter vessel availability on Asia-Europe services.
There is no confirmed general closure of Jebel Ali or other major Gulf container ports. Unique Forwarding is closely monitoring developments and will continue to advise customers on potential routing, capacity and transit-time implications.
