Cape Town – The escalating conflict in the Middle East is reshaping global shipping routes, with vessels increasingly avoiding the Red Sea and travelling around the southern tip of Africa instead.
According to Reuters, several major shipping companies have begun diverting vessels away from the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait because of rising security risks linked to regional conflict. The decision has forced ships travelling between Asia and Europe to take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.
A spokesperson for Danish shipping giant Maersk said the company had paused sailings through parts of the Red Sea due to safety concerns.
“Security risks in the region have increased significantly and we are adjusting sailing routes to ensure the safety of our crews and vessels,” the report quoted the company as saying.
Attacks on vessels heighten fears in global maritime trade
The disruption follows a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea linked to Iran-aligned Houthi fighters operating from Yemen.
According to The Guardian, more than 100 container ships have already been rerouted away from the Suez Canal route in response to the attacks.
The newspaper reported that the incidents have raised serious concerns within the global shipping industry because the corridor is one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
Supertanker costs in the Middle East have hit all-time highs, according to shipping data and industry sources, as the US-Iran conflict intensifies with Tehran attacking ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. READ MORE: https://t.co/iegI4O5qWZ pic.twitter.com/xfMHOSQRRq
— Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) March 3, 2026
Maritime security experts say the attacks have created uncertainty for companies transporting goods through the region.
“The attacks we have seen on commercial vessels are alarming and pose a serious threat to seafarers and international trade,” Maersk said in comments cited by The Guardian.
Cape of Good Hope becomes key alternative route
As tensions persist, shipping companies are increasingly relying on the route around southern Africa.
According to maritime industry publication Seatrade Maritime, several container shipping lines have redirected vessels away from the Red Sea to avoid potential attacks. The move has effectively revived the historic route around the Cape of Good Hope, which was widely used before the opening of the Suez Canal.
However, the diversion comes with major logistical challenges.
Experts say the route around Africa can add thousands of kilometres to a voyage between Asia and Europe, increasing both fuel costs and travel time.
Logistics analysts warn that the longer journeys could also affect global supply chains.
“Shipping lines are taking precautionary measures and rerouting vessels to ensure the safety of their crews and cargo,” maritime analysts told Seatrade Maritime.
South African waters expected to see more traffic
The shift in global shipping routes means waters around South Africa could see a noticeable increase in vessel traffic.
According to maritime reports cited by The Citizen, the Cape of Good Hope route is becoming the preferred alternative for shipping companies seeking to avoid the volatile Red Sea corridor.
This morning on @eNCA, I discussed the implications of the Middle East conflict for South Africa, with ships rerouting not only from the Strait of Hormuz but also Maersk vessels from the Red Sea to the Cape of Good Hope. pic.twitter.com/LhU83g1hVv
— Ofentse Donald Davhie (@DonaldDavhie) March 3, 2026
Ports such as Cape Town and Durban could therefore see more ships passing through or stopping for logistical support, including refuelling and maintenance.
Industry analysts say this could temporarily place South Africa along one of the busiest maritime routes in the world.
Rising costs and supply chain disruptions
The conflict is also pushing up shipping costs globally.
According to The Guardian, war-risk insurance premiums for vessels operating near the Middle East have increased sharply, forcing some companies to avoid the region entirely.
At the same time, several tankers have reportedly been damaged in incidents linked to the conflict.
Reuters reported that attacks and military tensions in the Gulf region have already affected multiple vessels, raising further concerns within the maritime sector.
Economists warn that the disruption could eventually drive up the cost of goods worldwide as shipping companies face higher fuel costs, longer travel times and rising insurance premiums.
While the crisis continues to disrupt global trade routes, maritime experts say one thing is clear, the waters around South Africa are likely to see more ships than usual as long as the Red Sea remains a high-risk passage for global shipping.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
