In recent months, the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) and several German shipping companies have received threatening emails from the Yemeni Houthi rebels.
These threats are directed at ships that call at Israeli ports, VDR said, as well as those that pass through the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Regardless of their location, ships with supposed links to Israel are viewed as potential targets.
Irina Haesler, member of the VDR management team and responsible for maritime security policy, explains: “The Houthi rebels obviously have well-researched email addresses, as the threats were also sent to individual contacts.
“These are targeted attempts at intimidation. It underlines that the risk to shipping remains high. We take these threats very seriously and are in constant communication with our members and the security authorities.”
To avoid serious attacks and possible consequences for ships and crews, German shipping companies continue to divert their ships around the southern tip of Africa.
This detour takes almost two weeks longer and incurs high costs.
Since the Israel-Gaza conflict broke out in October 2023, almost 200 merchant ships in international waters near Yemen have been attacked by Houthis’ rockets, drones and cruise missiles.
Several sailors have lost their lives, and numerous ships have been hijacked, sunk or seriously damaged.
International missions such as Operation Prosperity Guardian and the EU Operation Atalanta are actively working on the security of shipping in this region.
Securing maritime routes is crucial for Europe to ensure security of supply.
