Two more shipping companies have stopped their ships in the Red Sea after the Iran-backed Houthi movement’s attacks in the area.
As a direct measure, the Swedish shipping company Stena Bulk has placed armed guards on board its ships in the area.
– In the end, we will do anything to ensure the safety of our crew, says CEO Erik Hånell.
The world’s shipping companies pull the emergency brake.
This after the Iran-backed Houthi movement, based in Yemen, has in recent weeks attacked civilian merchant ships in the Red Sea on several occasions. The attacks are carried out in support of Hamas in the war against Israel and on Monday a new attack was carried out. This time against a Norwegian-owned ship.
The Swedish shipping company Stena Bulk views the development with concern.
– The situation in the Red Sea continues to develop rapidly, and as an immediate measure we have already placed armed guards on board every ship that will pass through the Red Sea, says the shipping company’s CEO Erik Hånell to TV4 Nyheterna.
Swedish shipping requires stronger protection from the EU
The development has meant that the shipping company’s operations have been limited – which has affected their customers. Erik Hånell says that they are responsive to their demands and will keep them updated. But the top priority is keeping their crews unharmed.
“Ultimately, we will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our crew above all else,” he says.
Denmark and Germany have previously stopped or redirected traffic in the area. Now the British oil company BP and Norwegian Equinor are following suit.
And now the industry organization Swedish Shipping demands that the EU and Sweden make a concerted effort to strengthen the protection of their ships in the area.
– It is completely unacceptable that civilian merchant ships with civilian personnel are attacked with military means, says CEO Anders Hermansson.
– It is at such a level that it can be difficult for individual shipping companies to protect themselves against, for example, missile attacks. It almost requires military ships with the capacity to defend themselves, he says.
Johan Forssell on the attacks: “Completely unacceptable”
The attacks have also worried the government. Aid and Foreign Trade Minister Johan Forssell (M) writes in a comment to TV4 Nyheterna that they follow the development “with great concern” in consultation with other affected countries.
“The attacks threaten both global trade and regional security. Any attack on civilian shipping is completely unacceptable. The government will conduct a close dialogue with international partners on how we can act together”.