Bab el Mandeb transits hit highest level since Red Sea exodus :: Lloyd's List
The sinking of two bulk carriers by the Houthis in July 2025 has not dissuaded some shipowners from sending their vessels through the chokepoint While not the largest monthly figure by total dwt, the increase shows a returning confidence among some shipowners to use the route that has claimed the lives of several seafarers and vessels since the Houthis began their campaign on shipping in November 2023.Even the attacks on Magic Seas (IMO: 9736169) and Eternity C (IMO: 9588249), which saw both bulkers lost in July 2025 (and in the case of Eternity C claimed the lives of four seafarers, with many more in Houthi hands), has not dissuaded shipowners from using the route.The Joint Maritime Information Centre said the group’s claimed attack on Scarlet Ray (IMO: 9799654), managed by Israeli-born Idan Ofer’s Eastern Pacific Shipping, showed the group’s “intent to target Israeli linked vessels in the Red Sea is unchanged”.Question marks remain over any assurances given by the Houthis, and the majority of the industry has not accepted these assurances and continues to divert around the Cape of Good Hope. While last month’s transits were the highest in more than 18 months, they do not signal a mass return to the Red Sea and instead broadly fit within the “new normal” post-Galaxy Leader.