On a warm spring night in Athens, a Greek shipping company received a threatening email regarding one of their vessels being at risk of attack by Yemen’s Houthi group. The message, warning of sanctions and consequences, marked the beginning of a series of menacing emails sent to Greek shipping companies, targeting vessels in the Red Sea amidst geopolitical tensions.
The threats extended to entire fleets, posing risks to ships crossing the Red Sea. Houthi rebels, in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, have been carrying out attacks on ships with ties to Israel, the US, and the UK. The warning messages have prompted Greek companies to reroute their ships and cease operations in the Red Sea.
Implications & Safety Measures
The escalating email campaign has raised alarms among shipping companies, leading to increased insurance costs and suspensions of cover. Some companies, like Conbulk Shipmanagement, have stopped voyages through the Red Sea to prioritize crew safety.
As tensions rise, industry sources confirm the evolving tactics of Houthi attacks on commercial ships, urging ship owners to switch off their AIS transponders to avoid detection. The situation highlights the challenges and risks faced by shipping fleets navigating through the Red Sea.