After recent assaults in the Red Sea, ships are choosing to avoid passing via the Suez Canal and instead go around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
This change has caused havoc on an important international shipping route, requiring ships to extend their voyages by an additional 15 days at additional expense.
Several corporations believe that the Cape of Good Hope route is a safer option even if it requires traveling an additional 4,000 kilometers around Africa.
With the closing of the Algoa Bay bunkering zone on the Indian Ocean, the Port of Cape Town has become increasingly important. Alex Miya, the harbor master of the Port of Cape Town, has acknowledged that the closure of Algoa Bay is the reason for the increased bunkering activities (refueling) in Cape Town.
This rerouting of shipping lines is beneficial to the Western Cape Province’s economy.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde lists the clear benefits of ships traveling through the area, stressing the necessity for effective operations and making the most of the business opportunities this unanticipated windfall offers.
Ships are continuing to reroute through the Cape of Good Hope as a result of the ongoing Red Sea situation, offering South Africa and the continent a singular economic opportunity.
(Africanews)
