As Yemen’s Houthi rebels have increased attacks against vessels sailing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, global trade stakeholders have responded. It has been announced in the media that oil majors and large global shipping lines are suspending shipping operations in the Red Sea.

In light of the current geopolitical climate, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced that it will hold an informal public hearing on February 7, 2024, to examine how conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions are impacting commercial shipping and global supply chains. The hearing will allow stakeholders in the supply chain to communicate with the FMC on how operations have been disrupted by attacks on commercial shipping emanating from Yemen, steps taken in response to these events, and the resulting effects.

The full insight was prepared by colleagues Michael Wray (Houston), Michael Kaye (DC), John J. Reilly (NY), Darrien Flowers (DC), John P. Flynn (DC), and Jack Kingston (DC).