The Red Sea battle continues on Jan. 16, 2024, with the Houthis launching missiles against merchant ships and the United States Armed Forces taking action against them. The British security company Ambrey reported that the Greek cargo ship Zografia, flying the Maltese flag, was hit by a missile while navigating 76 miles off the Yemeni port of Saleef, heading north. Initial information indicates that the ship sustained damage but is continuing its journey autonomously, and there are no injuries among the 24 crew members. The cargo ship belongs to the Greek shipping company Vulcanus Technical Maritime, based in Piraeus.
On the same morning, an operation by the U.S. Navy SEALs boarded a vessel in international waters off the Somali coast (pictured). Onboard, they found and seized missiles that were allegedly destined for the Houthis and were reportedly sent from Iran, according to U.S. sources. Two Navy SEALs are reported missing at sea.
It has been about a month since the start of the Houthi attacks on ships transiting off the coast of Yemen, in response to the Israeli invasion of Gaza. Despite the presence of a U.S. and British military force, which has also struck some Yemeni positions on the ground, the actions continue and seem to extend their range of operation. On Jan. 15, a missile struck the U.S. bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle, while a second missile missed its target. The ship was traveling in the Gulf of Aden, still far from the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Houthi-controlled coasts.
Bloomberg reports that insurance premiums for ships transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait have increased to a value between 0.75% and 1% of the ship's value. This means that for the largest container ships, the premium can reach one million dollars.
In the United States, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which regulates maritime transport, has allowed shipping companies to announce changes in surcharges within less than the usual minimum of 30 days. This decision is also related to the crisis in the Red Sea. Several major container companies — including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, APL, and ONE — have taken advantage of this concession."
