Factbox-Shipping firms react to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

investing.com:

(Reuters) -Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have stepped up attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, impacting a shipping route vital to East-West trade.

In response, some shipping companies have instructed vessels to instead sail around southern Africa, a slower and therefore more expensive route.

The U.S. and Britain launched dozens of air strikes against Houthi military targets overnight on Jan. 11 and 12 in retaliation for the attacks, widening regional conflict stemming from Israel's war in Gaza.

Below are actions taken by companies (in alphabetical order):

C.H. ROBINSON

The global logistics group said on Dec. 22 it had rerouted more than 25 vessels around the Cape of Good Hope over the previous week, and that number would likely grow.

«Blank sailings and rate increases are expected to continue across many trades into Q1 of 2024,» it added.

CMA CGM

The French shipping firm said on Jan. 5 it had not changed its plans announced in December to gradually raise the number of vessels transiting through the Suez Canal.

It had previously rerouted several vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.

EURONAV

The Belgian oil tanker firm said on Dec. 18 it would avoid the Red Sea until further notice.

EVERGREEN

The Taiwanese container shipping line said on Dec. 18 its vessels on regional services to Red Sea ports would sail to safe waters nearby and wait for further notification, while ships scheduled to pass through the Red Sea would be rerouted around Africa. It also temporarily stopped accepting Israeli cargo.

FRONTLINE

The Norway-based oil tanker group on Dec. 18 said its vessels would avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

GRAM CAR CARRIERS

The Norwegian auto carrier said on Dec. 21 its vessels were restricted from passing