Hapag-Lloyd: Red Sea Traffic Declines Amid Middle East Tensions

Hapag-Lloyd AG is monitoring a decrease in ship traffic through key Middle Eastern waterways. Data from Kpler indicates that an average of 37 ships passed through the Bab al-Mandab Strait daily recently, a decline from approximately 47 passages in mid-July. On July 15th, 52 ships transited the strait, while the number fell to 37 by Thursday, according to Kpler data.

The Houthi militia in Yemen, allied with Iran, now controls the entire western coast of the country, increasing its influence over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical global shipping route. The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) reports a “significant” increase in threats to vessels using the strait, citing past attacks.

Separately, the Strait of Hormus, between Oman and Iran, also faces continued pressure. Kpler data shows an average of 19 ships passing through daily, down from over 100 prior to the US-Iran conflict. Iran has been hindering regular ship passage through the Strait of Hormus with threats and attacks, while the US maintains a naval blockade preventing Iranian tankers from transit.