As the world celebrated the dawn of a new year, the Singapore-flagged container ship, Maersk Hangzhou, encountered an unsettling start. On a quiet evening in the Red Sea, the vessel was the target of a missile attack launched by the Houthi forces, as confirmed by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Despite the assault, no injuries were reported, and the vessel remained seaworthy.
Swift Response to the Attack
Following the attack, the U.S. Navy swiftly responded. The USS Gravely and USS Laboon, two U.S. destroyers stationed nearby, intercepted and shot down two additional missiles aimed in the vicinity of the Maersk Hangzhou. This maritime intervention not only protected the vessel but also thwarted a potential escalation of the situation.
Unsettling Activity in the Red Sea
This incident is not an isolated one. It marks the 23rd attack on ships cruising the Red Sea since November 19. The Red Sea, a strategic maritime route, has been a hotspot of such conflicts, especially with the ongoing war in Yemen where the Houthi movement is a key player. This current situation has put the shipping industry on high alert due to the persistent security threats.
Impact on the Shipping Industry
In light of the recent attack and the consequent security concerns, A.P. Moller-Maersk, the parent company of Maersk Hangzhou, has decided to pause all container shipments through the Red Sea. Previously, the company’s vessel, Maersk Gibraltar, also had a near-miss incident when it was targeted by a missile. These consecutive close encounters have emphasized the gravity of the security situation in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
