Israeli Ports Face Backlog Amidst Rising Tensions in the Region

By IndraStra Global News Team

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 Israeli ports are grappling with a growing backlog of ships as the nation navigates heightened military preparations and rising tensions in the Gaza Strip, controlled by the militant group Hamas. This situation comes in the wake of a violent attack by Hamas fighters, who stormed Israeli towns, targeting civilians and taking numerous hostages in what has been described as the worst assault on Israeli civilians in history.
The hostilities have resulted in a series of challenges at Israeli ports, with the Ashkelon port, closest to the Gaza Strip, shutting down due to rocket barrages in southern Israel. Ashdod Port, another significant terminal, has imposed restrictions on the transportation of hazardous materials, leading to slower transit times for incoming and outgoing cargo.
Despite these obstacles, Ashdod Port remains operational. A recent statement on its website emphasized its commitment to continue its operations, even in times of conflict. The port's message reassured the public that it was prepared to supply Israel's economy with essential goods around the clock to prevent shortages.
However, the congestion at Israeli ports is evident in the numerous ships waiting to dock. Several cargo and dry bulk vessels destined for Ashdod have been held in nearby waters, including an oil tanker and a container ship. MarineTraffic data indicates that approximately 13 ships, comprising cargo, container, and dry bulk vessels, are currently moored within Ashdod port.
Additionally, ships carrying dry bulk goods are waiting off the coast of Haifa in northern Israel. Haifa and Ashdod are the country's largest and most crucial ports. The Port of Haifa, known for handling various cargo types, confirmed its continuous operations, especially during the weekend, with efforts to accommodate diverted cargo from Ashdod.
Major shipping line MSC reported increased waiting times at Ashdod due to enhanced security checks and labor shortages. It noted that circumstances at Israeli ports could change rapidly.
The Israeli Economy Ministry acknowledged a shortage of manpower, making it challenging to transport and replenish inventories due to higher consumption. However, it emphasized that there were no shortages of supplies, urged the public not to engage in hoarding, and assured that there would be zero tolerance for price gouging.
Traditionally, wait times for ships to dock in Israel have been longer than in other ports. The government has sought to address this by privatizing ports and opening new facilities to improve competition and efficiency.
The recent hostilities have led to a significant increase in marine war insurance rates. Some underwriters are reassessing cover provisions for Ashdod, although Haifa remains unaffected. While Ashdod and Haifa ports account for a small percentage of global container throughput, any expansion of hostilities beyond Israel's borders could introduce risks to vital shipping chokepoints in the region.
Container xChange, an online logistics platform, expressed concerns about potential disruptions in critical waterways, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz, which are essential for global shipping. The extent of these disruptions will largely depend on the duration and expansion of the conflict.
The Marshall Islands registry, a leading flag for merchant vessels, raised the security level for Israel's ports and territorial waters to the highest level. They cited an increased threat of collateral damage to vessels and advised vessels with ties to Israel or the United States to be cautious in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea areas.
The situation at Israeli ports remains complex and fluid, with the potential for further impact on global shipping routes. As the region faces ongoing challenges, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with a keen eye on the potential repercussions for maritime trade.
With reporting by REUTERS

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