Given the dangers posed to those aboard Red Sea merchant ships because of attacks by Iran-backed Houthis — not to mention the economic problems that are being caused by Houthi attacks — shipping firms are now calling for Red Sea vessels to have armed guards, which poses some logistics problems, as pointed out in the article below. Italy’s defense minister recently stated that Houthi attacks are now threatening Italy’s economic stability. And not only Italy. The Red Sea is a critically important route for companies that are shipping goods from Asia to Europe. It accounts for some “15% of total global sea trade.” Those goods are now costing more to ship and take longer to arrive as the ships face attacks.
India has now joined the Red Sea Coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis are also now threatening to “sabotage western internet cables in Red Sea.”
The Houthis, like all jihadists, know the power of buying time to defeat their enemies. Westerners are the ones constantly exercising restraint and displaying tolerance. Indeed, caution is required so as to not escalate further the tensions in the region, but it’s a balance, because at the same time, the Houthis will only escalate unless they are met with a tough response. The ship owners’ association in the Netherlands — The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) — presented a possible deterrent. The KVNR rightly wants to see the Netherlands and the EU weaken “the Houthis’ capacity by shooting down drones and targeting radar equipment and rocket launchers.”
“Shipping firms call for Red Sea vessels to have armed guards,” Dutch News, February 5, 2024:
Dutch shipping firms have urged the defence ministry to permit armed guards on their vessels to counter the threat of attacks from Houthi fighters in the Red Sea.
The ship owners’ association KNVR says the Netherlands is out of step with other countries in not arranging armed guards or escorts by naval vessels.
The problem is compounded by restrictions in Dutch law that ban ship owners from hiring private security teams if there is no military support available, which they say puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
In a letter seen by FD.nl, the KNVR urged defence minister Kajsa Ollongren to restore the armed guards that were withdrawn on December 19, when the infrastructure ministry advised Dutch shipping to avoid the area altogether.
They also want the Netherlands and the EU to strengthen two missions in the Red Sea area, Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Poseidon Archer, aimed at weakening the Houthis’ capacity by shooting down drones and targeting radar equipment and rocket launchers.
Insurance difficulties
The 1,100 ships sailing under the Dutch flag and their cargo are becoming increasingly difficult to insure as Houthi attacks step up, KNVR director Annet Koster said.
“The Netherlands is the only country that enforces this link [between military and private security], “Koster said.
Giuseppe Trizzino, director of private security firm Praesidium International, which operates in several countries including the Netherlands, said: “We are still receiving orders at the moment from companies who are arranging for their ships to sail under the Italian or the Luxembourg flag.
The ministry would not comment on the contents of the letter, but Ollongren told parliament last week the government was investigating how it could contribute further to the security operation in the Gulf region.
One option being considered is to send the air defence frigate Zr.Ms. Tromp to the region for six months from March as part of the EU mission or under Operation Prosperity Guardian…..
࿗Infidel࿘ says
How would armed guards protect against missiles & drones directed at them? Rerouting around Capetown is the only sensible option (unless & until South Africa starts doing the same thing as the Houthis)
Buzz says
The armed guards would have missiles & drones!
Rick Olsha says
ZIM continues.
AMM ISREAL CHAI !!!!
Christopher Watson says
Why don’t the western powers unite and send an invasion force to take the Houthi territory and wipe them out. It would be expensive but what is it costing to have the Houthis causing all these problems in the Red Sea? The British used to deal with many problems in the 19th century doing this. It usually worked. We all seem to be becoming like Biden.
patriotliz says
Déjà vu Barbary Wars—Red Sea instead of Mediterranean.