Source: Marine Traffic, ASL Bauhinia containership
The Hong Kong-flagged containership ASL Bauhinia experienced an explosion and fire whilst navigating the southern Red Sea.
According to reports from claims specialist WK Webster, the containership ASL Bauhinia (IMO: 9935868) built in 2022 experienced an explosion and fire whilst navigating the southern Red Sea approximately 122 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, Yemen on January 27, 2025.
“Early reports indicate that the vessel is ablaze with flames and thick smoke emanating from the fore of the ship,” WK Webster said on January 27.
Marine Traffic data showed yesterday the containership ASL Bauhinia located in the Red Sea.
At the time of writing, there were no reports connecting this incident with Houthi activities. The cause of the incident is not immediately clear.
The claims specialist WK Webster said that as a result of this incident all the crew have abandoned the vessel and were safely rescued by a nearby vessel.
Furthermore, it highlights that possible general average / salvage and recovery issues may arise as a result of this incident.
The incident comes after the recent ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas which brings hopes to the shipping industry that the costly disruption to global shipping could soon end now. But any return to normality may take a while.
Furthermore, the Houthis have pledged to renew their assaults if the Israel-Hamas ceasefire breaks down or if the Houthis are targeted by Israel or the United States and its allies.
The two major shipping firms A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) and CMA CGM have notified their customers that they will keep steering clear of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The process to bring the current conflict between Israel and Hamas to an end is dependent on a multi-phased roadmap continuing to be met, and as such the predictability of the situation remains a complex challenge.
Furthermore, due to the continued tensions in the region, the security risk of commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait remains high.
Last week, A.P. Moller-Maersk announced it will continue sailing around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term.
Now, another major container liner, CMA CGM said that it “will for the time being continue to prioritize alternative routes, including a significant reliance on passage via the Cape of Good Hope.”
However, CMA CGM clarified that while this approach applies to the majority of its network, adjustments may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on security and global operational conditions.
“The ceasefire allows humanitarian relief and hope for peace. Recent developments in the region suggest progress towards greater stability, which is a positive but fragile sign for the global shipping and logistics industry.”
“Yet, the safety of our seafarers, vessels, and our customers’ cargo remains the CMA CGM Group’s utmost priority,” it added.
On the other hand, Maersk said it has taken this decision to optimise stability and certainty across its customers’ supply chains.
“Returning to the area without fully ensuring safe passage could result in our networks needing to be adjusted again, which would prove complicated both operationally and indeed for supply chain management.”
