Attacks launched by Yemen’s Houthi group on commercial vessels at the southern end of the Red Sea have prompted various shipping companies to divert vessels, avoiding a route that would take them through Egypt’s Suez Canal in the north to access the Mediterranean Sea. The group says the aim of the attacks is to support the Palestinians in the Israel and Hamas conflict.
Since last weekend, tension has increased as several vessels have been attacked. As a result, various vessels have been rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding cost and time to vessel journeys. A maritime force for the area concerned is currently being set up, however this is still very premature as all parties involved still need to reach an agreement.
WEC Lines is deeply concerned about the developments, and we are taking all necessary steps to preserve the transportation services for our customers. Transit times are subject to change depending on the alternative routings and options. We may, however, be forced to apply an additional fee in due course.
For any cargo booked via WEC Lines the situation is as follows:
- Cargo from EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics to Sokhna, Port Sudan, King Abdullah and Jeddah can still follow normal routing via the Suez Canal and the transhipment port King Abdullah.
- Cargo from EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics to Djibouti and Aden is being rerouted via Colombo to avoid any risks.
- Cargo from EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics to Dar es Salaam and Mombasa is being rerouted via Mundra to avoid any risks.
- Cargo from Sokhna, Port Sudan, King Abdullah Port and Jeddah to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam is being shipped on an ad hoc basis from King Abdulah Port to Colombo depending on the safety of the crew, vessel, and cargo.
- Cargo from King Abdullah Port to Djibouti and Aden is currently being investigated whether a safe passage can be made to these areas.
- Cargo from Port Sudan to EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics via King Abdullah Port operate via ad hoc sailings.
- Cargo from Djibouti and Aden to EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics are expected to be rerouted via Colombo.
- Cargo from Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to EU/UK/MED/ScanBaltics are expected to be rerouted via Mundra and Cape of Good Hope.
- Cargo from Dar es Salaam & Mombasa to the Red Sea and Egypt remains unclear and all bookings are currently on hold.
- Cargo from Dar es Salaam & Mombasa to Pakistan and the Persian Gulf run as usual.
We may be forced to request an additional fee for the cargo into these areas due to force majeure.
We apologize for any inconveniences caused and will continue to provide updates on a regular basis. Please contact your local WEC Lines office in case of any questions.
