KHALED DESOUKI / AFP via Getty Images in the region and the explicit alignment of the Houthi with the Iranian government’ s interests,” a widespread return to Suez Canal transits“ look [ s ] like a reckless gamble.”
“ After all, the cargo is in the line of fire, just as much as the vessel and its crew,” Hookham told the Journal of Commerce in a mid-September interview.“ What happens if shipping does come under attack again? Will this trigger a reinstatement of the diversions and consequent disruption during the crucial weeks of September and October for seasonal trade? What assurances can [ carriers ] give to anxious supply chain managers in the run-up to Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas?”
Responding to shipper concerns, Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc insisted that the carrier thoroughly assessed the risks before it began sending vessels through the Red Sea route again.
“ We’ ve never played with something that we did not feel was secure for our colleagues, and if we have the least inkling that there might be intent [ by the Houthi to attack ] and it’ s just about getting unlucky or getting lucky, then we will not cross,” Clerc told a press briefing, noting the lack of attacks on container ships despite increasing traffic through the Bab el-Mandab.
“ Through the interactions we have with security establishments in the US, the UK, through NATO and with some countries in the region, the assessment is that there is no intent at this time,” he added.
“ The container lines clearly believe that now is a time for normalization.”
Even so, Hookham and others say that due to the volatile and uncertain nature of the conflict, Houthi attacks could resume suddenly, causing massive disruption to services that have returned to the Suez.
“ The Houthi have clearly stated that international shipping is free to pass the Red Sea, with the only exception www. joc. com October 5, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 11