We believe that since December 14, you have been receiving news about the Houthi movement in Yemen attacking unspecified commercial ships.
Following this, major shipping companies announced the suspension of operations in the Suez Canal.
Currently, shipping companies estimate an increase of 8 to 14 days in the transit time from Asia to Europe and the Mediterranean.
Despite Maersk’s announcement three days ago (25/12/2023) that they would respond to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Prosperity Guardian plan to resume Suez Canal shipping operations, major shipping companies still have no plans to resume operations. According to the information I have, including confirmation from myself, MSK (Maersk) is still primarily using the Cape of Good Hope route. Reservations for the Europe route are fully booked until the end of January 2024, and until operations resume, the situation will likely be characterized by no availability at reservation times.
Short-term impact: Scarcity of available slots on the Europe route.
Long-term impact: Congestion on the Europe route affecting transoceanic routes, leading to container shortages spreading to transoceanic routes and compressing shipping supply in the Asia-Pacific region.
First Houthi attack exposure:
MSK claims to resume Suez Canal route:
Shipping costs rise by nearly 50% in a week and could go up further amid Red Sea attacks
https://news.sky.com/story/shipping-costs-rise-by-nearly-50-in-a-week-amid-red-sea-attacks-13034741