According to TMC Marine, a subsidiary of Bureau Veritas and international marine consultancy, avoiding the Red Sea has led to a significant rise in container losses. TMC’s Group CEO, Simon Burthem, reported that three major incidents off South Africa between July and August 2024 resulted in 200 containers being lost overboard. Extreme weather has been identified as the primary cause.
Burthem pointed out that having three incidents occur in the same waters within such a short time frame is unusual. He emphasized the implications of vessels rerouting around Africa, which adds at least 3,500 miles to the journey and 10 to 14 days to transit times. This not only increases financial burdens and fuel costs but also raises potential salvage costs, and environmental risks associated with incidents that may not have happened otherwise.
He described these waters as some of the most dangerous on Earth, stating “Ships taking this route are being exposed to the most unforgiving seas on earth,” he said, noting that rogue waves can cause a ship to roll by as much as 20 degrees in certain situations. Environmental risks are also a concern. A recent incident highlighted this danger when plastic pellets from a collision washed up on UK beaches.
Despite a recent ceasefire, tensions in the Red Sea persist, and ongoing security concerns continue to keep most vessels on longer routes around Africa.
Source: ShippingWatch
