TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Evergreen Marine Corp. announced on Monday (Dec. 18) a temporary suspension of its shipping services that navigate through the contentious waters in response to the security threats posed by the Yemen-based group in the Red Sea.
This decision aligns with a growing number of global shipping giants that have halted passage through the Red Sea, a crucial route for oil and consumer goods transport. Houthi militants' attacks, aimed at ships en route to Israel, have escalated tensions.
On Nov. 19, Houthis hijacked a cargo vessel, leading to missile and drone attacks against Red Sea ships. The U.S. Navy, British Navy, and French Navy successfully intercepted drones and missiles.
On Dec. 16, the USS Carney destroyed 14 drones targeting Israel. On Dec. 18, a merchant vessel named Swan Atlantic was fired upon from Houthi-controlled areas in the southern Red Sea, as reported by U.S. officials.
Given the worsening security situation, Eastern powerhouses like Hong Kong's Orient Overseas Container Line, France's CMA CGM, Denmark's Maersk Group, Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, and Switzerland's Mediterranean Shipping Company have also paused Red Sea navigation.
Evergreen has redirected its ships from Asia to the Mediterranean and the U.S. East Coast, bypassing the Red Sea for Israeli cargo transport.
British Petroleum (BP) has similarly suspended oil transit through the Red Sea due to heightened risks.
