EUNAVFOR ASPIDES warns of rising Red Sea shipping threat

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has issued a warning to the shipping industry, highlighting a renewed and elevated threat to merchant vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters following escalating regional tensions.

According to the latest assessment, the relative calm observed since late 2025 may be ending, as Houthi forces have resumed missile launches against Israel as of 28 March 2026, signaling a potential return to attacks on commercial shipping.

The advisory notes that while no merchant vessel attacks have been reported since September 2025, the evolving conflict involving Iran, the United States, Israel and regional proxies is increasing the risk across key maritime corridors.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES warned that the next phase of Houthi involvement could include renewed attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea and the eastern Gulf of Aden, areas within range of their weapons systems.

The current threat level has been assessed as “medium” for vessels not linked to Israel or the United States, and “high” for ships or companies with Israeli affiliations, including ownership, flag or port calls.

The operation emphasized that Houthi military capabilities remain “intact and substantial,” reinforcing concerns about the potential escalation.

Shipping companies with links to Israel or the United States have been advised to avoid transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until the situation stabilizes. Other vessels are urged to continue submitting support requests through maritime security channels.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES also noted that increased protective measures are being implemented, which may result in longer waiting times for vessels requesting close protection due to limited military resources.

Operators are advised to avoid Yemeni territorial waters, consider routing closer to the African coastline where feasible, and maintain constant communication with maritime authorities such as UKMTO and MSCIO.

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