Today’s news / Maersk foresees Mid-East shipping issues into 2024
Several shipping companies have already rerouted their container ships from the Suez Canal to a route south of Africa. (Archive photo). Photo: Sergei Gapon/Ritzau Scanpix

Maersk foresees Mid-East shipping issues into 2024

Maersk has alerted North American freight customers about potential delays in the Red Sea affecting deliveries until the second half of 2024, as reported by Reuters. The conflict has led to increased prices and Maersk has upped ship loads by 6% to minimize delays. Many carriers are rerouting via south of Africa to the U.S. East Coast, suggesting alternatives such as Los Angeles or Mexico ports. The reroute follows Houthi attacks on commercial ships, including Maersk vessels since late last year, leading to initial 48-hour suspensions now extended indefinitely. The Houthi’s claim the attacks are a protest against Israeli actions in Gaza, stating the cessation of attacks depends on the end of Gaza’s siege and allowance of humanitarian aid.