ICS welcomes Operation Prosperity Guardian

News Story
- 21 Dec 2023 ( #1159 ) - London, United Kingdom
1 min read
Houthi rebels in Yemen have been firing missiles at container ships
Houthi rebels in Yemen have been firing missiles at container ships

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative announced by the United States this week to protect container ships in the Red Sea.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the operation to deter Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen firing missiles at container ships in the Red Sea.

The US, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain will join the operation, Austin says in a statement.

Austin says the joint action is aimed at deterring “this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles”.

ICS says attacks against merchant ships in the region have been escalating since the Bahamas flagged Galaxy Leader, operated by Japan's NYK and owned by British company Ray Car Carriers, was seized by Houthi forces on 19 November.

“ICS deplores these attacks, which are unacceptable acts of aggression and threaten the lives of innocent seafarers and the safety of merchant shipping,” the ICS says.

Earlier this month the ICS said some shipping companies had already rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid Houthi aggression, a move which increases costs as well as delaying global trade.

The Red Sea is a crucial waterway, linking Europe and Asia. Currently 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea.

Logistics UK’s head of trade Nichola Mallon says rerouting to avoid the Red Sea will add about 10 days of transit time to ships heading to North Europe and Mediterranean ports.

“This serious situation predominantly affects ships serving the Asia to North Europe and Mediterranean routes, however there could be knock-on effects in other regions if the situation escalates or lasts for a prolonged period, Mallon says. 

“This interruption to global shipping also comes at a time when there are already significant challenges to movement through the Panama Canal because of drought.”

Crane operator charged over container fatality
Crane operator charged over container fatality 11 Jul 2024 - Uran, Navi Mumbai, India - 1 min read
Connie the container dog dies
Connie the container dog dies 4 Jul 2024 - Rockville, MD, United States - 1 min read
Container safety alert issued in wake of deadly storm
Container safety alert issued in wake of deadly storm 2 May 2024 - Dublin, Ireland - 1 min read
Previously about:
UK announces smart shipping fund News Story - 2 May 2024 - Southampton, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

Forkliftaction News is currently researching a special feature on manufacturers of automated forklifts.

Our feature journalist is looking to uncover the latest unique design features hitting the market, including new innovative technologies, modular options, dual-mode, swarm capabilities and other key advancements.

Are you a manufacturer with expertise in this field? Contact us about our options for feature contribution. 

Words of support …

I know I can count on them. They give valuable suggestions on the campaign planning, and to publish content is as easy as abc, as they take care of the material layout and check links. This is a great support.

Annalisa Castellini, Marketing Manager - Bolzoni S.p.A.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Forkliftaction News is currently researching a special feature on manufacturers of automated forklifts.

Our feature journalist is looking to uncover the latest unique design features hitting the market, including new innovative technologies, modular options, dual-mode, swarm capabilities and other key advancements.

Are you a manufacturer with expertise in this field? Contact us about our options for feature contribution. 

PREMIUM business

VETTER Forks, Inc.
The world's most comprehensive product range as well as the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Forkliftaction News is currently researching a special feature on manufacturers of automated forklifts.

Our feature journalist is looking to uncover the latest unique design features hitting the market, including new innovative technologies, modular options, dual-mode, swarm capabilities and other key advancements.

Are you a manufacturer with expertise in this field? Contact us about our options for feature contribution.