Red Sea Shipping Crisis: Major Carriers Remain Cautious Despite CeasefireDespite the announcement of a ceasefire in the Red Sea region, leading global shipping companies such as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have confirmed they will not immediately resume operations through the Red Sea and Suez Canal routes. According to industry reports, carriers remain highly cautious due to ongoing security uncertainties and the potential threat of Houthi militant attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.Analysts note that while the ceasefire provides temporary relief for regional trade, full normalization of traffic through the Suez Canal will require verified maritime safety guarantees and stable security coordination mechanisms. Until then, most operators continue to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, extending voyage times and shipping costs by up to 40%.Industry observers warn that prolonged detours could further tighten container availability and push up freight rates, especially for Europe–Asia routes. Meanwhile, insurers are maintaining high war-risk premiums, reflecting continued apprehension about potential attacks or geopolitical flare-ups in the Red Sea corridor.Source: U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), Maersk Operational Updates, Hapag-Lloyd Advisories, and Trident Risk Advisory Reports.
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