Jordanian Newspaper: Maritime Shipping Movement in Aqaba Remains Stable Despite Red Sea Tensions
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Maritime shipping activity to and from the Port of Aqaba has strengthened following the return of stability to the Red Sea, according to maritime transport experts.
The experts told Al-Ghad that any changes in maritime shipping movements typically require a period of 3 to 4 months due to the existence of pre-scheduled shipping timetables. They emphasized that the recent tensions did not negatively impact the flow of shipping.
They also noted that companies continued to use feeder vessels and alternative ports during the Gaza truce period, which contributed to maintaining stability. Reports indicated that the number of container ships rose significantly by 87.7% in the first three months of this year, reaching 152 ships compared to 81 during the same period last year.
Maritime transport expert Dr. Duraid Muhasnah stated that the escalation of events in Gaza did not affect shipping movement to and from Aqaba, pointing out that the greater impact was on the Suez Canal. He explained that global shipping companies generally do not alter their routes unless regional stability is assured.
Similarly, Jamal Al-Rifai, First Vice President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, stated that there had been no noticeable impact on supply chains or shipping costs due to renewed tensions in the Red Sea. He affirmed that alternative maritime transport options remain available, which has helped keep operations stable.
Captain Mohammad Al-Dalabeh, Secretary-General of the Jordan Navigation Syndicate, also highlighted a notable improvement in shipping traffic during the first three months of the year. He reported a 30.6% increase in overall container handling, with 217,807 containers processed by the end of March compared to 166,831 in the same period last year.
