Source: Splash247 
Date: 6th June 2025

Ship traffic climbs 60% as attacks subside, but volumes remain far below pre-crisis levels

The Red Sea has experienced a 60% increase in commercial vessel traffic since August 2024, now averaging 36 to 37 ships per day. This resurgence follows a decline in maritime attacks and the establishment of a ceasefire agreement.

Despite this recovery, shipping activity remains significantly below pre-crisis norms, when 72 to 75 vessels transited daily before disruptions began in November 2023.

Security measures, including the EU-led Aspides naval mission, have contributed to increased confidence, with over 450 ships receiving close protection.

The last recorded attack on a commercial vessel occurred in November 2024, and officials stress that the risk of being targeted is now less than 1%. Nonetheless, absolute safety cannot be guaranteed, and wariness persists among maritime operators.

While some political leaders have expressed optimism that the Red Sea crisis is nearing its end, major global shipping lines remain cautious.

During recent financial briefings, most operators indicated they are not yet ready to fully resume transits through the region, reflecting a broader hesitance to return to pre-crisis routing without clearer long-term security assurances.