The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a complete ban on Israeli ships passing through key waterways, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea. This decision was officially declared late on March 11 and is now in full effect.
Yemeni Forces Impose a Complete Ban
The ban was enforced after a deadline passed for negotiations aimed at reopening crossings into the Gaza Strip to allow humanitarian aid. The Yemeni forces stated that all Israeli ships attempting to enter the restricted waters would be considered targets. This announcement signals an escalation of restrictions that could have wider consequences for global trade.
A second statement was issued on March 12 by the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC), which represents the Yemeni fighters. According to the statement, the restriction is due to the failure of Israel to fully comply with the terms of a ceasefire agreement. The HOCC also urged Israel to halt its actions in Gaza, which began in January, and to allow humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, to reach the region.
The ban applies to all ships that are either wholly owned by Israeli individuals or companies, as well as any vessels flying the Israeli flag. These ships are now strictly prohibited from passing through the affected regions starting from 11:55 pm Yemen Standard Time on March 11 (08:55 pm UTC).
Impact on Maritime Trade and Energy Shipments
This ban has further intensified disruptions in the global shipping industry, which has already been struggling with security threats in the region. The Red Sea is a vital trade route, serving as a link between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Any disruptions in this passage have significant consequences for international trade and energy transportation.
Oil shipments through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, have already seen a dramatic decline. In 2023, around 6.9 million barrels per day (b/d) of oil transited through this route. By 2024, this figure had plummeted to just 2.5 million b/d.
The Suez Canal, another critical waterway linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, has also seen a sharp drop in oil shipments. Transit volumes fell from 7.9 million b/d in 2023 to just 3.9 million b/d in 2024. The disruption is forcing companies to reconsider their shipping strategies, as alternative routes are both time-consuming and expensive.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments have been particularly affected. For over a year, LNG carriers have largely avoided the Red Sea and the Suez Canal due to ongoing security concerns. However, in a rare event, an Oman-based LNG carrier passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea shipping route in February. Despite this isolated case, most major LNG shipping companies continue to steer clear of the region due to increased risks.
Global Shipping Under Pressure
The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait are crucial maritime routes for global trade. Any disruption in these waters can cause shipping delays, increase costs, and impact supply chains worldwide. Many international shipping companies have already started adjusting their operations in response to rising threats in the Yemeni-controlled region.
One of the main consequences of the ongoing tensions is the rerouting of shipping traffic. Instead of passing through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, several companies are now choosing the longer and more expensive route around the southern tip of Africa, via the Cape of Good Hope. While this alternative ensures safety, it also leads to longer transit times, higher fuel costs, and increased shipping expenses due to the Yemeni-imposed restrictions.
With security risks mounting, companies and global markets are closely monitoring the situation. The Yemeni ban on Israeli ships adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile maritime trade environment. For now, businesses and shipping firms are adapting to the new restrictions while keeping an eye on developments that may further impact international shipping and energy transport.
