On September 10, Operation ATALANTA responded to the hijacking of the Glamor, a merchant vessel off Yemen’s coast. The crew retreated to the citadel after disabling the ship. International forces, including a Japanese reconnaissance aircraft, deterred the pirates, leading to their abandonment of the hijacking attempt. All crew members were safe.
In a major shift impacting global shipping, Yemen’s Houthi movement has captured Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, alongside Dhubab town, enhancing their control over a crucial maritime route. This consolidation may favor Iran in its conflict with the U.S., potentially disrupting oil supplies and increasing prices internationally.
On September 10, vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to seven, down from twelve the day prior and below the ten-day average of fourteen. Among the outbound vessels was the Finland Prosperity carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, while no liquefied natural gas tankers departed.
Reports indicate a vessel hijacking occurred today, September 10, south of Yemen. The bulker, identified as the Glamor, was likely boarded by pirates approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf. This incident marks a troubling rise in piracy in the region, attributed to ongoing instability and potential Houthi support.
In July, Suez Canal revenues soared 42% year-on-year, thanks to geopolitical tensions, especially the Iran war and Houthi threats, prompting vessels to favor this route. With 1,340 ships transiting, including 526 oil tankers, revenues reached $505 million, the highest since December 2023, as global shipping patterns shift dramatically.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concerns over maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, warning that such attacks threaten global energy supplies and trade. He emphasized the need for secure trade routes to prevent exacerbating hunger and suffering among vulnerable populations amid rising prices and agricultural decline.
On August 22, Maersk’s largest containerships, Mathilde Maersk and Bangkok Maersk, successfully navigated the Suez Canal, marking a pivotal moment for the Suez Canal-Red Sea corridor. The Suez Canal Authority celebrated, especially honoring Bangkok Maersk for its inaugural transit. This move signals a return to crucial shipping routes.
Yemen’s Mocha port has suspended operations following Houthi missile strikes, which involved over 25 missiles and resulted in seven deaths and $16 million in damages. The recent escalation, including six ballistic missiles targeting civilian areas, raises concerns over renewed conflict amid regional tensions linked to the U.S. stance on Iran.
Radio frequency (RF) cyber-attacks by Houthi rebels are increasingly disrupting maritime trade along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. These attacks jam signals and spoof GPS, leading to navigational inaccuracies. Reports of vessels traveling at impossible speeds highlight the threat to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, raising urgent safety concerns.
“Bloomberg reports that violent attacks in the Red Sea have halted LNG tanker crossings through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. As a result, global energy trade is disrupted, forcing ships to reroute around Africa and leading to a fragmented LNG market. Solutions include cargo swapping and increased storage efforts.”
