HOUTHI drone attacks on the Israeli city of Tel Aviv and reciprocal Israeli airstrikes on Houthi bases in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah have heightened shipping industry concerns the conflict is spreading to the entire Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean.

Two boxboats were attacked in the Red Sea over the weekend, the CMA CGM-operated 1918 TEU Lobivia and the 5060 TEU, SeaLead chartered Pumba with the former reported to have sustained a direct hit while the latter suffered only minor damage after two drones exploded nearby and a missile narrowly missed.

In a statement SeaLead confirmed the incident occurred in the Red Sea at 0300 UTC, while the vessel was en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Port Klang, Malaysia. As of 22 July, 0900 UTC, all crew members were safe and accounted for, and there has been no relevant damage to the vessel, the carrier said.

“SeaLead commends the crew for their bravery and strict adherence to safety protocols during this event. Pumba has resumed its planned voyage and is expected to reach its destination safely. SeaLead is working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the incident. Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of our crew and mitigating any further risks.

“SeaLead confirms that none of its operated vessels passing through the Red Sea / Suez Canal are owned by any United States or United Kingdom company or entity. In addition, SeaLead confirms that none of its vessels are owned wholly and/or partially by Israeli individuals or entities, and/or sailing under Israeli flag, are not managed and/or operated by Israeli individuals or entities, and do not serve any Israel ports.”

According to a table issued today [23 July] by Linerlytica, all mainline container carriers have re-routed relevant east-west services via the Cape of Good Hope, with the exception of one CMA CGM string.  However, amongst those lines still using the Red Sea/Suez Canal, SeaLead rates as the second-most frequent, behind only China’s New New Shipping.

Coincidentally, another SeaLead-chartered vessel previously attacked by the Houthis, arrived in Melbourne this morning from Shenzhen. The 4860 TEU Pinocchio is making its first voyage as the Singapore-based carrier’s contribution to the CA2 service from China. It survived a double, anti-ship missile attack on 12 March this year, without damage.

Linerlytica says only 14% of ships employed on Asia-Europe/Mediterranean services are still transiting the Red Sea, while Suez Canal revenues are reported to be down 23%.