On December 16, 2023, media reported that Dutch cargo ships would not pass through the Red Sea because Houthi rebels began bombing ships they believed could be linked to Israel. The Houthis have said they will not stop attacks until Israel ends its operation in the Gaza Strip.
Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea since late November. As a result, many shipping companies, including the largest ones: Maersk (Denmark), MSC (Switzerland), Hapag-Lloyd (Germany), CMA CGM (France), BP Plc (Great Britain) changed their ship routes due to these attacks. . Alternatively, they chose a route through southern Africa, which adds between 7 and 20 days to the transport time.
Dutch importers of avocados from Kenya, ginger from China, grapes from India and many other food products are becoming increasingly nervous. The dangerous situation in the Red Sea causes ships to be delayed for days and the food they transport is inexorably depleted.
According to research agency Clarksons, the number of container ships sailing the Red Sea has fallen by more than 90%. Longer transit times not only make it difficult to transport food, but also make it more expensive to ship. Freight prices have been rising rapidly since December. Transporting product by sea now costs twice as much as it did two months ago.
Red Sea Ship Protection Mission
According to Annette Koster, director of the Royal Dutch Shipowners’ Association (KVNR), until recently it seemed that only Israeli or Israeli-linked ships were unsafe, but now the company is concerned and the attacks appear random. She claims that some of the ships attacked have a connection to Israel. “Hard to find” and this complicates the situation even more.
Koster noted that he considers military ship escort effective, which several countries have already proposed. “When Iran attacked oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz a few years ago, this tactic helped.” – She explained.
A statement from the US Department of Defense dated December 19, 2023 said that the Dutch military had agreed to participate in an international operation to protect cargo ships sailing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Dutch Ministry of Defense has confirmed its participation.
“Attacks on ships in the Red Sea undermine freedom of navigation and pose a serious threat to shipping and maritime crews. “Under the leadership of the United States, the Netherlands and many like-minded partners are joining forces to ensure free and safe shipping.”, wrote the Dutch Minister of Defense, Kajsa Ollongren, on her page on the social network X (formerly Twitter). She said Holland would begin by providing two staff officers for the operation.
According to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Seychelles, Spain and the United Kingdom will also join the operation, called “Garden of Prosperity.” The stated objective is to provide “freedom of navigation for all countries and strengthening regional security and prosperity”.
Austin condemned the Houthi attacks as a violation of international law against sailors and a threat to international trade.
“The Red Sea is a vital waterway, essential for freedom of navigation and an important trade corridor that facilitates international trade. “Countries seeking to uphold the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must come together to address the issue of this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against merchant vessels of many countries legally crossing international waters.”the minister wrote in a statement.
The defense goes on the offensive.
After joining the coalition, the Netherlands became part of a retaliatory strike against Yemen the following month.
On January 12, the United States and Britain responded to rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea by striking dozens of Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said they carried out the military operation with the support of the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain.
Outgoing Foreign Minister Bruins Slot and Defense Minister Ollongren wrote in a letter to the House of Representatives that the Netherlands has political support and backing for the operation. “non-operational military support”.
According to a US official, the bombing “had a significant impact on the Houthis’ ability to attack ships in the Red Sea”.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Rutte said the US and British actions are aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Red Sea. He noted that the Netherlands “As a traditionally maritime country, they attach great importance to the right of free passage” and support this operation. According to Rutte, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are “in clear violation of international law and represent a threat to maritime personnel and trade flows”.
Now Dutch shipowners are even more worried because the Netherlands has supported the attacks on Yemen. Ships flying the Dutch flag may now be at greater risk.
“We fear the worst. How is it possible that the Netherlands is the only EU country that supported this attack, but the rest of Europe did not? As a result, we have been under the microscope more than other countries.”Koster says.
Dutch shipping companies continue to implement the diversion for now, which will inevitably have consequences for the prices of imported fruits and products.
Shipowners require weapons permits
The Dutch shipowners requested in a letter to the Ministry of Defense, among other things, the possibility of carrying armed guards on board. This was confirmed by the Royal Dutch Shipowners’ Association (KNVR).
According to Koster, shipowners are avoiding sailing through the Red Sea for now, but want to return to this route as soon as possible.
“When defenses are established in the Red Sea area, where missiles are launched from the sky, we also want to be able to sail there armed.”he noted, adding that ships’ security teams must protect the crew from insurgents trying to infiltrate the ship.
It is not wise to go there
The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, in response to the shipowners’ statements, said that the country is actively operating in the Red Sea to protect international maritime traffic, but now it is dangerous to go there.
“We are talking about cruise missiles, drones with weapons. They must be treated differently than armed pirates in small boats. There is a serious threat at this time and it is not prudent to sail there now.”Ollongren said.
So far, according to the Dutch minister, the Netherlands is moving towards reducing the military potential of the Houthis, working with other countries.
At the moment, the results of the work of the US-led coalition are very mediocre; Those companies that have changed routes continue to navigate the African continent. Despite attacks on Houthi military infrastructure, Ansar Allah continues to attack ships. Yemen said the Houthi movement had so far attacked 34 Israeli, American and British ships and that the fighters had reached the point where Israeli ships were no longer sailing in the Red Sea.
On February 16, the European Union announced that it would launch Operation Aspides (“Shields”) in the Red Sea starting February 19. It is difficult to say to what extent it will be more effective than the US actions, but the initial period of the European operation has already been announced: one year. That is to say, does the European Union expect that European shipping companies will have to transport their goods for another year? It seems to us that Israel’s operation in the Gaza Strip can be completed sooner, and then international efforts to intimidate the Houthis, to the delight of the European Union, will no longer be unnecessary.
Source: Rossa Primavera
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.