A major Israeli shipping company has decided to change the route its ships sail through, amid threats by Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement that it will target vessels linked to the Israeli regime amid the war on Gaza.
The ocean carrier Zim said that it was taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo by rerouting some of its vessels to avoid passing through the Arabian Sea and Red Sea.
“In light of the threat to the safe transit of global trade in the Arabian and Red Seas, Zim is taking temporary proactive measures to ensure the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo by rerouting some of its vessels,” read part of the statement.
“As a result of these measures, longer transit times in the relevant Zim services are anticipated, though every effort is being made to minimize disruptions,” it added.
Traffic data showed that a container ship operated by Zim had already changed course and was taking a long journey around Africa instead of sailing through the Suez Canal and transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen.
The Zim Europe was en route from Boston to Port Klang, Malaysia and was between Oran, Algeria, and Cartagena, Spain, on Saturday when it decided to completely change its course and head back to the Atlantic. Data showed the ship was heading south at 16 knots after passing Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday.
Zim Europe has to continue its journey to Port Klang via the Cape of Good Hope, a voyage that is 56% longer than via the Suez Canal, according to maritime experts.
That comes after Yemeni forces said they view any ship linked to Israel that sails off the Arab country’s ports as a legitimate target.
The announcement also comes after a series of attacks on ships linked to Israeli businesses.
The threats are meant to force the Israeli regime to end its brutal aggression on Gaza which has killed more than 15,000 Palestinians since it began in early October.
On November 19, Yemen’s Ansarullah fighters seized Galaxy Leader, a ship believed to be operated by a company that is ultimately owned by a major Israeli businessman with links to the Israeli cabinet.
