Suez Canal vs. Cape of Good Hope (Red Sea Attacks)

The latest wave of attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea is forcing businesses to send their ships on longer routes, which might further strain the already precarious global economy.
Extended voyages from Asia, Europe, and the eastern seaboard of North America have been redirected to circumvent Africa using the Cape of Good Hope.

Consequences of the Houthis impeding Red Sea's cargo ships

The aftermath of Yemen's Houthis hampering cargo ships over the Red Sea Entry of Bab al-Mandab Strait shouldn’t be taken for granted. Over 100 have already started to switch routes from the Suez Canal route to the Cape of Good Hope.

That makes most of the world's largest shipping firms decide that they will avoid the Red Sea routing and instead, ships traveling from the Far East to Europe will need to make a detour around the entire African continent via South Africa's Cape of Good Hope.

Suez Canal rerouting to the Cape of Good Hope

The journey will take more than a week longer and will add about 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers).

And, therefore, that will reflect on the Suez Canal which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, is the shortest route between Europe and Asia. About 12% of global shipping traffic normally transits the waterway.

Suez Canal vs. Cape of Good Hope route

Global trade relies heavily on the Suez Canal. Shipping between Europe and Asia may take advantage of this route, which saves them a significant amount of money and time. Ships can use the Suez Canal, which is significantly quicker and less expensive, than circumnavigating all of Africa.

The absence of wind and current, which may lead ships to sluggishly navigate open waters, makes the Suez Canal passage safer and quicker. Furthermore, the Suez Canal provides better-protected seas and is often less vulnerable to bad weather.

Keep updated on the Red Sea shipping struggles through our news.