Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-27 16:59:16
Following recent attacks in the Red Sea, vessels are now choosing to bypass the Suez Canal and take the longer route around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. This shift in shipping routes has caused disruptions in the crucial global shipping route, adding an extra 15 days to the journey and increasing costs for the ships.
Despite the 4,000-mile detour around Africa, many companies consider the Cape of Good Hope route to be a safer alternative. The closure of the Algoa Bay bunkering zone on the Indian Ocean has made the Port of Cape Town essential for increased bunkering activity (refueling) in the region, according to Alex Miya, the harbor master of the Port of Cape Town.
The redirection of shipping routes has brought economic benefits to the Western Cape Province. Premier Alan Winde emphasizes the need for efficient operations and the maximization of economic opportunities presented by the unexpected increase in shipping traffic passing through the region.
As the crisis in the Red Sea continues, the re-routing of ships through the Cape of Good Hope presents South Africa and the continent with a unique economic opportunity.
This change in shipping routes has caused disruptions in the global shipping route, with vessels now taking an extra 15 days to travel around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Suez Canal. Despite the longer journey, many companies view the Cape of Good Hope route as a safer alternative. The closure of the Algoa Bay bunkering zone has led to increased bunkering activity in the Port of Cape Town.
The redirection of shipping routes has also brought economic benefits to the Western Cape Province, with Premier Alan Winde highlighting the need for efficient operations and the maximization of economic opportunities presented by the unexpected increase in shipping traffic passing through the region.
As the crisis in the Red Sea continues, the re-routing of ships through the Cape of Good Hope presents South Africa and the continent with a unique economic opportunity.
