The Red Sea Crisis and Its Ripple Effect on Global Supply Chains and Sustainability
Introduction The Red Sea crisis, ignited by attacks on commercial ships by Houthi rebels since December 18th, 2024, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, has reverberated throughout the global trade and shipping industry. This article explores the multifaceted impact of these events on global supply chains and sustainability, analysing short-term disruptions and proposing potential Solutions to address the challenges posed by this crisis. Event Overview The attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea prompted seven of the largest shipping companies globally to reroute traffic away from the Red Sea, a critical shipping lane facilitating about 11 percent of global maritime trade volume annually. The strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with its narrowest point at 25 km, cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital link between Asia, Europe, and Africa, handling 30% of global container trade, including seaborne oil and LNG shipments. Cargo ships are being rerouted throug...