SupplyChainBrain reports that Yemen's rebel Houthi movement has declared a "maritime blockade" on Israel's Haifa port — warning commercial shipping companies to stay clear or risk being targeted — according to Breakbulk News. As reported by Reuters on May 19, in a televised statement, the group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said that Haifa port has been officially added to the group's list of maritime targets. He called on all shipping companies operating vessels destined for or docked at Haifa to change course immediately. "From this moment onward, all companies that own vessels at this port or heading to this port have been informed that the port is included in the list of targets," Saree said. So far, despite continued attacks, the Iron Dome and other defense systems have intercepted most Houthi missiles aimed at Israel. However, over recent months, the Houthis' ability to project force over hundreds of miles has kept shipping companies on edge — forcing significant rerouting of global trade. Earlier this year, after Washington ramped up retaliatory strikes, the Houthis agreed to halt attacks on U.S.-flagged vessels. But vessels destined for U.S. allied or Israeli ports remain vulnerable.
From a supply chain perspective, the Port of Haifa is Israel's largest port, with annual capacity of 1.5 million TEU, purchased in 2023 for $1.18 billion by a consortium of Adani Group (founder Gautam Adani; India) and Gadot Group (Israel) — and is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ; CEO Karan Adani). Other major Israeli ports include the Port of Ashdod (TIL; owned by MSC; container terminal), the Port of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba), and other key national gateways. The Houthi movement (officially known as Ansar Allah), based in Sana'a, Yemen, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, is backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force — forming the "Axis of Resistance" with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iraqi Shi'ite militias. The U.S. Department of State has relisted the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization under the Trump administration (March 2025).
From a supply chain perspective, the Red Sea trade disruption began in November 2023 with the seizure of the Galaxy Leader — since then, more than 100 commercial vessels have been attacked, with 4 sunk, including the Galaxy Leader, Tutor, Rubymar, and Sounion. Traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Suez Canal (led by Chairman Osama Rabie of the Suez Canal Authority) has declined by over 50 percent, from 1.1 billion tons annually in 2023 to 2024. The alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) adds 10-14 days to shipping time between Asia and Europe, increases daily vessel operating costs by $30,000-$50,000, and has driven global container freight rates up 3-5 fold. Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC; President Diego Aponte; Geneva, Switzerland), Maersk (CEO Vincent Clerc; Copenhagen, Denmark), CMA CGM (CEO Rodolphe Saadé; Marseille, France), Hapag-Lloyd (CEO Rolf Habben Jansen; Hamburg, Germany), and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (Israel) are among the major container carriers affected. Operation Aspides (EU NAVFOR; Force Commander Vasilios Gryparis) and Operation Prosperity Guardian (U.S. Combined Task Force 153) are the principal protective operations.
From a supply chain perspective, the impact on marine insurance is significant: Lloyd's of London's Joint War Committee (JWC) has designated the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Yemen, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and Strait of Hormuz as principal "Listed Areas" — with additional war risk premiums per vessel climbing to 0.5-2 percent of vessel value. BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council; Secretary General David Loosley), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS; Secretary General Guy Platten), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO; Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez) are the principal sector bodies — each commenting on global trade norms in light of the Houthi crisis. Houthi blockade declarations have escalated in stages: (1) November 2023, vessels under Israeli flag; (2) December 2023, all vessels heading to Israel; (3) March 2024, U.S. and British vessels; (4) May 2024, ownership assessment; and (5) May 2025, blockade of Haifa port. Consequently, Saree's declaration of the Haifa blockade represents a significant escalation — with global maritime trade security and reassessment of Eastern Mediterranean routes seemingly forcing supply chain managers to prioritize war risk insurance and route flexibility as core strategic imperatives.
Key Points:
1. Yahya Saree (Houthi military spokesperson) adds Haifa port to the target list.
2. Iron Dome intercepts most Houthi missiles — but maritime risk persists.
3. Adani Group acquired Haifa port for $1.18 billion in 2023.
4. Red Sea traffic has declined over 50 percent from the Suez Canal — diverting to the Cape route.
5. Lloyd's JWC designates Red Sea and Israeli waters as "Listed Areas."
