Al-Araby TV: Under the impact of Houthi attacks, the world’s largest military and economic power has been forced to avoid crossing the Red Sea.

NYN | Reports and analyses:

The number of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping vessels heading to Asia via the Cape of Good Hope has tripled, reaching 123 shipments since the beginning of this year.

These ships have avoided crossing the Red Sea due to the tense security situation there and have also reduced their reliance on the Panama Canal, where drought has limited the number of vessels allowed to pass through.

Even the country with the largest military and economic power, which has deployed its fleet near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, has been forced to avoid crossing the Red Sea for fear of being targeted by Houthi missiles from Yemen, who have declared their intention to target any American ship passing near their territory.

Since the beginning of this year, compared to the same period last year, the number of American gas ships sailing towards South Africa has tripled, reaching 123 tankers, according to Platts, published by S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Tankers from the world’s largest LNG exporter, producing 93 million tons annually, have been forced to sail around the African continent, enduring an additional 14 days of travel, which has resulted in increased insurance, shipping, and fuel costs.

Long Wait to Cross Panama

These tankers used to reach the eastern side of the Asian continent via the Panama Canal. However, this waterway, suffering from frequent low levels, forces ships to wait for long periods before being able to cross, making it an unreliable option for Americans.

Before the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, American gas tankers would move from the eastern coast, passing through the Mediterranean and Red Seas towards Bab el-Mandeb, before continuing their journey to Asia. This route has become difficult for them in recent months due to security risks.

Since the beginning of this year, 8.4 million metric tons of American LNG have been shipped via the Cape of Good Hope, temporarily restoring its strategic importance, which had been diminished by the Suez Canal for over a century and a half.

Source: Al-Araby TV