The Bab el Mandeb Strait off Yemen is facing growing security concerns as shipping activity declines amid renewed threats from Houthi forces, raising fears that two of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints could simultaneously come under pressure and disrupt global trade.
By Horseed Media | International Desk
SANAA, Yemen / RED SEA — The strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime gateways, is emerging as the next potential flashpoint for global shipping after rising security concerns triggered a sharp decline in vessel traffic through the narrow waterway.
Data intelligence firm Kpler warned on Wednesday that confidence among shipping operators was weakening across both the Bab el Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, creating the possibility of a rare “double choke point” crisis affecting major energy and trade routes.
According to Kpler, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell by 31 percent on Tuesday compared with the previous day, while vessel movements through Bab el Mandeb dropped by 34 percent, signalling growing caution among shipping companies operating in the region.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait, which separates Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea, serves as a crucial link between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Millions of barrels of oil and large volumes of global trade pass through the waterway each year before reaching the Suez Canal and European markets.
A critical alternative route under pressure
The narrow passage has gained renewed strategic importance as shipping operators seek alternatives to routes affected by instability in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, has been at the centre of escalating security concerns following repeated attacks and threats against commercial vessels.
A disruption at both maritime chokepoints could have major consequences for global energy markets, supply chains and shipping costs.
“Confidence in vessel operations in both waterways is under pressure,” Kpler said, warning that increased risks around the two routes could further restrict maritime traffic.
Houthi threats raise security concerns
The latest concerns around Bab el Mandeb come after renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has previously targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, claiming its actions were linked to regional conflicts.
Kpler reported that at least four vessels operating in the Gulf of Aden had changed course or turned back following recent threats, suggesting shipping companies are increasingly adopting precautionary measures.
Maritime intelligence company Windward said five vessels had altered their routes and described the Bab el-Mandab as a growing “risk zone.” However, some ships have continued passing through the strait despite the heightened security warnings.
Costly alternative route
For operators choosing to avoid Bab el Mandeb, the alternative route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope comes with significant financial and logistical costs.
Windward estimates that rerouting a vessel around southern Africa can add approximately $2 million in additional expenses per voyage, due to longer sailing distances, increased fuel consumption and higher operational costs.
The Red Sea shipping crisis has already forced many global carriers to reconsider routes, contributing to longer delivery times and increased freight expenses.
Global trade watches next developments
Analysts say any prolonged disruption at Bab el Mandeb would have consequences far beyond the Middle East, potentially affecting energy supplies, consumer goods shipments and international trade flows between Asia and Europe.
With tensions continuing across the region, maritime security experts warn that the world’s dependence on a small number of strategic waterways leaves global commerce increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
HM
