Gradual Return of Navigation Through Bab al-Mandab Disrupts Israel’s ZIM
Maersk Resumes Red Sea Transits, Sending Reassuring Signals to Global Markets
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The Hebrew economic website “Bizportal” revealed a notable development in international shipping traffic, as the Danish shipping giant Maersk carried out a new and safe transit through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, signaling a gradual return of navigation through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
Successful Transit Without Incidents
The website reported that the container vessel “Maersk Denver” successfully crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait on January 11 and 12, heading north toward the Red Sea, without any security incidents. This marked the company’s second successful transit within a short period.
This move is seen as a clear message of reassurance to global markets regarding the possibility of resuming navigation through this strategic artery after months of disruptions and security tensions.
A Message to Markets… and a Potential Shift in Shipping Routes
The Hebrew report considered Maersk’s step a potential prelude to a gradual change in the behavior of major shipping companies, as they may return to the shorter routes via the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab instead of the long and costly detour around the Cape of Good Hope.
It noted that the success of this transit could help break the state of caution and redraw the map of global maritime transport if the experience is repeated by other companies.
Israel’s ZIM in a Growing Dilemma
In contrast, the report raises serious questions about the future of Israel’s ZIM shipping company, whose vessels remain hesitant to transit the Red Sea and are still forced to detour around the African continent, imposing increasing financial and operational burdens.
The website argued that this reality could place ZIM in a genuine predicament over the medium and long term, especially if major global companies return to traditional routes and benefit from lower costs and faster shipping times.
The Future of Navigation Hinges on Security Developments
The report concludes that Maersk’s return could trigger what it described as a “domino effect” in the maritime shipping market. However, companies linked to the occupying entity are expected to remain the most affected, amid ongoing security concerns and uncertainty surrounding the future of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
