A Houthi missile strike in the Gulf of Aden has set a tanker ablaze, marking the most damaging attack on a commercial ship by the Houthis in the past three months. The Marlin Luanda, carrying a Russian-produced refined oil product on behalf of commodities trader Trafigura, was struck by a missile, causing a fire that the crew is still battling to control. While Trafigura reported no injuries or casualties, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of seafarers and the potential for environmental damage.
Previous Houthi strikes on commercial ships have caused minimal damage and were quickly extinguished. However, this attack is likely to prompt more shipowners to avoid the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, condemned the attack, emphasizing the risk it poses to seafarers’ lives and the potential for environmental consequences.
The missile strike on the Marlin Luanda is significant as it is the first attack on a commercial vessel since the US and UK launched a second set of strikes against the militants. The Houthis have been disrupting global trade by targeting the critical route to and from the Suez Canal. In a separate incident, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile at the USS Carney, a US navy vessel in the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, the Carney successfully intercepted and shot down the missile.
In response to these attacks, American forces launched a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was preparing to fire. The Houthis claim that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza after Israel declared war on Hamas. Initially, they stated that their targets were vessels linked to Israel, but they have since expanded their list to include ships associated with the US and UK.
The impact of these attacks on shipping in the area has been significant. Container ship arrivals have decreased by 90% compared to early November, with many ships opting for a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. This diversion has led to increased journey times and costs for shipping companies. Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping line, has decided to reroute its US-flagged fleet away from the area and instead travel via the Cape of Good Hope.
The Houthi missile strike on the Marlin Luanda highlights the escalating threat to commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden. Shipowners are now more likely to avoid this region, impacting global trade routes. The safety of seafarers and the potential for environmental damage are key concerns that need to be addressed. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how governments and international organizations will respond to these attacks and ensure the security of maritime trade in the area.