Cairo, March 2 (SANA) The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is disrupting maritime traffic, prompting major shipping companies to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb toward the Cape of Good Hope.
Denmark’s Maersk, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd and France’s CMA CGM have suspended operations through the Suez Canal, Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, citing deteriorating security conditions. Companies have imposed additional surcharges on shipments from the Gulf while rerouting vessels around Africa.
Maersk said, “Due to worsening security in the Middle East, we have suspended voyages through the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb,” adding that it would prioritize resuming operations once conditions improve.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said the government had taken precautions to mitigate security and economic risks, noting the importance of the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz to national revenue.
Officials warned that prolonged disruptions to maritime traffic could affect Egypt’s economy.
