By Maria Kalamatas | July 17, 2025
Alexandria, July 17 — As attacks escalate in the southern Red Sea, shipping lines are steadily diverting vessels around Cape Matapan, adding up to six days to transit times for Europe-bound cargo.
“We’ve diverted three of our ships this week alone,” stated Ahmed Safwan, maritime operations manager at NileSpeed Shipping. “The losses in fuel and time are staggering.”
Diversions disrupt schedules
Due to persistent security alerts in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Mediterranean sink ports — particularly Piraeus and Thessaloniki — are seeing a sharp rise in vessel traffic. This surge is straining pilot and tug services that were never built for such volumes.
Commercial impact felt fast
Importers report delays for container shipments from Asia via Suez. Meanwhile, bulk carriers laden with grain are facing rerouting costs estimated at $300,000 per voyage — further pressuring global commodity prices.
Ports scramble for capacity
Greek port authorities have activated emergency berth plans, but concerns persist. “We’re devoting every available resource,” confirmed Ioanna Milaki of Piraeus Port Authority. “But this could tip into full congestion fast.”
Outlook remains tense
Analysts warn the Red Sea corridor won’t stabilize soon, which means Greece — and possibly Malta — may emerge as long-term overflow hubs.
