• UGI USER
  • Dec 28, 2023
  • 23 Likes
  • 1 Comments

ESCALATING CONFLICT IN THE RED SEA

Why in the News?

  • Houthi rebels in Yemen, reportedly supported by Iran, have intensified attacks on ships in the Red Sea since mid-November, expanding beyond alleged links to Israel.

Key Highlights :

  • The Red Sea trade route, responsible for almost 30% of global container traffic and 12% of trade.
  • The U.S. initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect against rebel attacks.
  • A disruption could force ships to revert to the longer Cape of Good Hope route, impacting fuel costs, delivery times, and prices of imports, especially crucial for India’s oil supplies.
Source: MATEC

About Cape of Good Hope:

  • Location: Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on South Africa’s Atlantic coast.
  • Navigation Hub: Vital in the Cape of Good Hope route, linking Eastern Asia, Europe, and southern Africa.
  • Historical Role: Key route before the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
  • Efficiency Contrast: Post-Suez Canal, the longer Cape of Good Hope route takes two additional weeks for maritime travel.
  • Southernmost Point Clarification: Contrary to popular belief, Cape Agulhas, 150 km east-southeast, is Africa’s southern tip, not the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Oceanic Current Meeting Point: Between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point, warm Agulhas current (Indian Ocean) meets cold Benguela current (Atlantic Ocean).
Source: Blogger