Shell suspends all Red Sea shipments indefinitely amid Houthi attacks from Yemen

Shell has reportedly suspended all shipments through the Red Sea indefinitely due to ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. This move follows BP’s similar suspension last week and Qatar Energy’s pause on liquefied natural gas exports through the Red Sea.
 
Since November, Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have launched numerous missiles and drones at commercial vessels in the Red Sea. They claim retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza, but the attacks have become indiscriminate, endangering tankers and container ships, including those carrying sanctioned Russian oil.
 
About 12% of global seaborne oil trade passes through the Red Sea. Rebel forces recently struck the U.S.-owned Gibraltar Eagle, raising concerns of a broader conflict near the Suez Canal. The Houthis vowed to expand ship attacks in response to U.S. and U.K. strikes. Tanker owners report captains avoiding the Red Sea, opting for longer routes. The Singapore ship registry and Intertanko warn vessels to avoid the waterway.